These antique gold fobs are such incredible pieces to find. We love to discover what's been engraved on the inlaid intaglio stones and the meanings behind the engravings too!
This particular fob is a mixture of ages, the fob itself is made of 18ct gold with British hallmarks for 18ct gold, Birmingham and what looks to be the date letter 'b' for 1876. There is also a maker's mark but this is now quite worn and hard to make out. The fob is inlaid with an oval piece of bloodstone to one side and to the other is an oval piece of carnelian with the most incredible detail of a boar's head!
The boar's head looks to be almost snarling, with its tongue out, and there is a banner to one side that reads 'MON DROIT' which is French for 'my right'. The design is in reverse so it could be used to stamp wax seals on envelopes and once stamped the design left behind in the wax would be displayed the right way round.
We're not sure if this has been shortened from the famous phrase 'Dieu et mon droit' which means 'God and my right' and is often used by the British Royal Family. The boar's head has been known to be used to symbolise ferocity in battle, bravery, and courage and is often a symbol used in coats of arms for historic families in Scotland, England and Wales. A white boar's head was also the personal badge of King Richard III so maybe this incredible fob could have a link to a Royal history! Sadly we don't know for sure but it's fun to imagine!
The frame the 18ct gold swivel section sits in is a newer addition and is made of 9ct gold. It does have British hallmarks but these are very small and hard to read clearly. We think this vintage, more modern 9ct gold frame is a replacement for the frame the fob originally was held in but its ornate style complements the fob well.
The fob weighs approx 6.4g in total and measures approx 26.5mm tall (not including the jump ring) by approx 20mm wide by approx 7.9mm deep. The frame is solid 9ct gold and the swivel fob casing section is 18ct gold and is likely hollow in the centre behind the two stones.
Condition - The fob is in overall good condition to say it is over 100 years old (the 18ct gold swivel section) but does show signs of age and wear, including surface wear to the gold, carnelian and bloodstone. The carnelian and bloodstone are in good condition but do show signs of age and wear including surface wear, chips and nibbles to the stone edges. The more modern, 9ct gold frame is in good overall vintage condition and has been fitted well. The fob turns well and is stiff enough that it doesn't spin freely, it needs to be gently pushed to rotate. There is surface wear to both the 18ct gold frame of the swivel fob section and the 9ct gold frame, the hallmarks to each are worn in places making it difficult to read some of the marks clearly. The jump ring is currently pushed closed. Please see photos.
*Please note the antique chain and box pictured are not included in the sale but the fob will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
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Antique 18ct gold carnelian & bloodstone boar head swivel fob in 9ct gold frame
All items are carefully wrapped and packaged in a gift pouch and box. In the UK, we always post items via Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which is fully tracked and insured. For international items, orders up to £300 are sent via Royal Mail's international tracked (and signed for where applicable) service and orders over £300 are sent via DHL Express.