Antique Victorian stick, tie or lapel pin. 18k gold, natural carved coral. Made in France, 19th century.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman. 

Measurements: Weight is 3.6 grams. Approximately 2 3/4inches  (7cm)long. 

Description : Finely carved natural coral in the form of a mano figa - a carved arm and clenched fist, denoting various forms of power and protection (see below). Within the clenched fist is a beautifully depicted golden bugle with a gold chain and tassles, used for slinging over the shoulder, but in the case of this jewel, providing movement and lavish detail. 
Further evidence of luxury is the golden cuff, as of a military jacket, with gold ball-shaped buttons and engraved detail. 
A fabulous example of Victorian imagination and workmanship that simply does not exist today. 

Marks and Metal: French owl mark and another French mark on the pin. The mark was used to denote 18k of an unknown maker.   

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:
Mano Figa: A carved hand, known as the mano figa has been used as a charm with various symbolism, all over the world and throughout the ages. From the Ancient Etruscans until today, this hand symbol has meant everything from good luck, protection, fertility, virility, female secuality, obscenities and so on. Today, it is often regarded as symbol of female empowerment and a sign to ward off the evil eye. 

Despite their dour reputation, the Victorians did have a great sense of humour and fabulous imaginations. They made beautiful jewelry that also makes us smile. They excelled in making novelites - unusual items that piqued our curiosity and could be discussed with friends and colleagues in their social gatherings, clubs and outings. Most of all, they made exceptional stick or tie pins, that clearly formed grounds for great conversation: jockeys of the day; animals; religious symbols, commemorative events, various items that had symbolism and humour that we have entirely forgotten today. 

Today, coral is increasingly threatened and large reefs are extinct due to our polluting habits. This makes coral, which is a form of animal life, increasingly rare. It has become protected and we should avoid exploiting the coral reefs that still exist. In this case, the coral is over 150 years old and a reminder of the wonders of nature and its influence on art and mankind. Wearing an antique coral pin is a unisex statement of both beauty and our recognition of the protection of ecology and our planet.

     BBB. We are fully accredited members of the BBB. Buy with confidence. 

                                                                            


  RETURN POLICY: 

If for any reason at all you are not completely happy with your purchase, please return the item.  Please ship within 2 days of receiving your item unless otherwise agreed with us. We would appreciate it if you notify us in advance, and explain the reason for the return.  Please pack carefully to ensure the item reaches us in the same condition it left here and don't forget to insure and track properly. 

We stand behind everything we sell. If we made an error in our description, please let us know regardless of how many years have passed since your purchase. 

                                                                                 -------------------------                                                             



 IMPORTANT NOTE ON METALS:

The metal in antique and vintage jewelry was handmade and not as homogenous as metal from a factory, made today. Digital technology was not available at the time and metals may test at slightly different karats from place to place in the same item or differ slightly from the hallmark punched at the time.

Clasps, closures, bar hinges, arms and pins are routinely of a lower karat for strength. 


   INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE:

Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.

   We have been selling high quality genuine antiques on the internet since 1997. Buy with confidence.  We are reliable as our record shows, and we guarantee everything we sell. See our policies above and below.

-----------------------------------------------------


Size: A reminder that the jewelry is shown in highly enlarged 'photographs. It is not the size of your screen.

Please look at the pictures with a measuring tape - shown both in inches and cm.  Please look

at the pictures with a model to get an idea of what the piece will look like when worn. 

------------------------------------------------------------


Offers: you are always welcome to make an offer, but please be realistic. Our prices are usually well below market value and we cannot sell at below cost. 

------------------------- 


Check out my other eBay auctions!


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers

 

Please read our TERMS & CONDITIONS below: 
 


  --------------

PAYMENT & SHIPPING: 

--------------

Any questions, just ask. We pay shipping, regardless of where you are located.

Overseas insurance may be limited by foreign post office. For any other shipping arrangements, please ask us. Buyer is responsible for knowing shipping prohibitions and restrictions in his/her country we will look them up for you if you need help.   

Duty is buyer's responsibility, but we will provide an antiques certificate where appropriate to reduce this cost for most customers.

 

--------------

OVERSEAS: Note:

--------------

 Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. Thank you

 

--------------

State sales tax is automatically added by Ebay.