Antique 1850 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Micro Mosaic Onyx 14K Gold Brooch 18g For Sale -

This antique c1850 Micro Mosaic brooch / pin depicts a masterfully rendered and charming Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog). It is oval in shape. The overall measurements are: 48.2mm (L) x 39.0mm (W) x approx. 8mm (depth). The micro mosaic "tesserae" are set in an beveled oval slab of black onyx measuring 40.5mm (L) x 32.7mm (W) x approx. 5mm (D). The frame is 14k yellow gold, featuring a twisted rope trim. It is in overall very good condition with minor wear requisite with its age. Specifically, a few very minor light surface abrasions on the surface of the onyx and frame, and a small raised area on left hand side of gold frame in front of the clasp hinge (may be by design). Please see photos. The safety clasp / "catch" and pin hinge are functioning, but the pin itself is broken clean off, so needs to be replaced (an easy fix for a professional jeweler). There are no missing tesserae and there are no cracks. A piece of this quality and in such good condition is rare in itself! The mosaic workmanship if of the highest quality. The spaniel design is also very unusual - this is a unique piece, very likely custom made for this dog's doting master. It is a conversation piece indeed! A general note on VictorianMicro Mosaic brooches / pins: they were hugely popular in the mid 1800s, acquired principallyin Italy by travelers on the "Grand Tour". Such pieces often depict scenes of the Colosseum, Forum and other Roman ruins (as they were at the time), St. Peters Square and so forth. The quality of the materials and workmanship varied widely. I have handled MANY, and this one is truly one of the finest in terms of workmanship. I do not therefore think this was a "souvenir" per se, but rather a personal item made to order by a master craftsman. As this skill resided in Italy, this is where the piece was likely commissioned. It is highly collectible. The piece weighs 17.8 grams. Please see photos for more details.
Your purchase will be shipped in a tracked USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box. The shipping cost also includes signature confirmation and insurance based on the listed price of the item.[Item ID: M702]

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