Antique Victorian stick tie pin gold carved natural coral mano figa bugle (7466)

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.