SHIELD w/ HEART Locket Georgian Era Antique FLASK Pendant Figural 18k Gold Large Swedish Vinaigrette w/ Stopper

ABOUT:

Early 1800s Georgian period flask pendant in 18k gold with figural puffy heart floating behind a glass pane.
One of my faves from my recent inventory trip to Europe. My mom, who was traveling with me positively gasped when she saw it. Then we both began hemming and hawing over how we could keep it. But knowing that neither of us would wear it as often as it deserves, we decided to offer it up. That didn't stop me from wearing it all around Europe of course : ). I paired it with the French long guard chain I have listed separately that allowed me to adjust the length.

It's just such a fabulous size and shape with so many interesting elements. Found in Sweden with their old stamps for 18k gold. I couldn't decipher the date letter but it was sold to me as early 1800s, it's certainly no newer than the Victorian period at the very latest.

The flask has a stopper that is held by its own chain, that comes out of the top and has vacant space inside the flask, perhaps to be used as a vinaigrette. As a decorative element, there is that fabulous glowing heart that is set behind glass. The framed glass pane above the heart is removable so you can see into the cavity where the puffy heart is suspended, although I am not sure the reason why it opens there. Unless the thought was to put a photo there to face out, and let the heart be a hidden secret within / behind the photo. But wow is it fabulous to wear with the 3D shape, ornate detail and glowing heart center.

It has little decorative engravings around the front with luscious two tone gold coloring - crafted in warm antique yellow gold with rosier gold to the heart, the engraved recesses, etc. I've never seen another like it. A special antique piece.

Any props or additional items not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.

MEASUREMENTS:
It weighs 7.5 grams.
44mm to the top of the stopper by 30mm wide by 8mm deep.
With the chain leading up to the top loop it is 2 3/4 inches top to bottom.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

All my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. Perfect rich antique patina and beautiful glow. I'm amazed at the condition considering age and the fabrication with vacant space inside. The tiniest ripple here or there, some surface wear and a few deeper scratches. The heart has a pinhead hole towards the bottom and some ripples and tiny punctures to the outline seam where the two parts of the heart were assembled but this is seen more when you are seeking it out. It is certainly still very legible. The glass pane with gold frame functions perfectly with tension to remain on over the heart.

One important thing to note - the stopper has no tension. It slides into place but while wearing, can often come free and open itself, and then it sort of rattles around the piece on its chain - haha. If it were me, I would put a tiny seam of two sided tape or something, maybe even just some string around the bottom of the stopper, so that when I put it in the flask, it would have tension to stick and stay shut. This would not be visible while wearing but would help to keep it from opening on its own. But I didn't want to alter it in case someone would prefer it to open easily and I certainly didn't want to bend the opening in any way to squeeze the stopper so that is something to note. Just how it was made apparently, which was pretty expertly done in my opinion. : ). I should let my little niece play with it.  It'd be sticky in no time tee hee. : /

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )

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