Essex Jewelry and Antiques
C1875 14k Gold Carved Warrior Head Shell Cameo Heavy Mounting Ajax?
Regular price
$1,800.00
Presented is a thick, heavy weight 14 karat yellow gold and carved shell cameo brooch or pin made during the 1870s or 1880s. This late 19th century piece is almost certainly Italian in origin. This is one of the largest, nicest mountings we have seen on a cameo.
The cameo is securely bezel set and there is a pretty rope band of design all around. The cameo itself is very finely carved in the form of a Greek or Roman warrior’s profile. The bearded man is wearing an interesting hat/helmet with a bird’s head or beak formed as the brim. A kind ebayer has suggested that this is a copy of a famous Ajax bust. The clasp/pin back is a replacement(it is actually more secure than the original), but obviously this is only visible on the back of the piece.
The clasp is marked 14K. The mounting has been tested with nitric acid and is guaranteed to be 14 karat gold purity.
This piece is in incredible overall condition for its age. There are no flaws and no repairs other than the clasp.
The cameo measures 1 7/8 by 2 1/4 inches, is 3/4 of an inch deep and weighs 26 grams. Most of the weight of this piece is gold, probably about 20 grams.