Victorian 18K Gold Bloodstone Caged Lion Snake Fob Seal

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$1,315.00

Quantity Available: 1

An amazing Troisième République 18K yellow gold and bloodstone fob seal. The bloodstone formed the floor of a golden caged enclosure that houses a ferocious lion wrestling a green enameled serpent. The snake has twined itself completely around the big cat, but the lion has his paw holding the snake down and has opened his jaws to deliver the final blow. The bloodstone is very nicely marked with bright spots of red against the blackish-green background. The snakes scaly body is partially covered with translucent green enamel. (It is difficult to tell if the enamel was used only to highlight part of the body, or whether it is partially flaked away. In either case, the contrast with the lions gold body is very attractive.) The bale is marked with the French tête daigle hallmark for 18K gold. Origin: France, ca. 1880. Condition: excellent, never monogrammed. Size: 1-9/32 x 1-1/16 x 1-3/8. Weight: 24.0 grams.