Antique French brooch 18k gold platinum bunny rabbit dogs sled ruby eyes (7477)

Antique Victorian (Napoleon III) brooch. 18k gold, a touch of platinum and tiny rubies. Made in France, circa 1880-1910. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.
Rabbit/bunny/Easter theme.
 

Measurements: Weight is 5.0 grams. A little under 1 1/2 inches long (a little over 3.5cm long). 

Description : Late Victorian - Art Nouveau period figural brooch, whimsically depicting a large Rabbit Bunny or Hare driving a sled pulled by a pair of dogs. The Rabbit stands on his hind legs, a gold twisted rope tied to the dogs' collars. He has huge front teeth - exactly as we tend to think of amusing lapins (rabbits) today.  Dogs, one behind the other, pulling the sled.  Dogs with partially open mouths, breathing with effort, tails wagging. Platinum collars to dogs. All animals have tiny cabochon ruby eyes- too small to test more details. 
The trio stand on a gold base, with engraved grass and foliage. The brooch can actually stand independently when not being worn. 
C-clasp with hinged gold pin. 

Marks and Metal: The c of the clasp has French hallmarks (worn eagle head and maker's mark lozenge) and the pin also has two largely illegible marks. Gold is 18k. Collars of dogs are platinum.       

Condition: Good with minor 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: The Victorians excelled at making whimsical, amusing objects. Their world was steeped in symbolism and fables, much of it forgotten today. 
In particular, the French led the world in fabulously imaginative and technically outstanding jewelry. While small, this is a perfectly sculpted little group, with fine detail. 
This trio will provide a great deal of conversation, not only about the wonderfully depicted animals, but what their particular significance was. Was this brooch related to Easter and the Easter Bunny? Is it a combination of favorite animals and pets? The brooch combines great fun without sacrificing a jot of the great workmanship for which 19th century French jewellers were justifiably proud. Wear the brooch any day of the year, but especially on your favorite holidays.