Antique Victorian Stick Tie Lapel pin carved coral gold Bulldog Boxer Dog (7468)

Antique Victorian stick, tie or lapel pin. Gold and natural carved coral. Made 19th century circa 1850-1880. Originally made for a man, but quite unisex today. 

Measurements: Weight is 3.2 grams. Length approximately 3 inches (7.5cm). 

Description : Very cleverly hand carved from a single piece of natural coral, the branching form of the coral used to depict the neck with head at right angles. Bulldog or boxer - the beloved pet and companion of many a wealthy gentleman, naturalistically carved from his pug-nose to little ears, with a loving, intelligent look on his face. 
Eyes are either glass beads or hardstones, but too small to test. They add to the naturalistic look of the dog. 
See the story below. As fun and wearable today as it was at least 150 years ago.

Set on a simple gold pin. 

Marks and Metal: There is a very faded hallmark on the pin that is impossible to read. We tested the gold, which stays weakly for 14k, so we will guarrantee at least 10k.     

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: Despite their dour reputation, the Victorians did have a great sense of humour and 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, various items that had symbolism and humour that we have entirely forgotten today. This is a great example of what the Victorians really loved - their dogs.
This fellow was the pride and joy of a well-to-do gentleman, who wore it as a reminder of his loyal friend and conversation piece with his fellows.

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.