An antique Georgian 15ct gold fob with a moonstone carved intaglio seal at the base.
This fob has considerable age to it, we are dating it to around 1760. It is stamped/hallmarked on one of the legs with an 'L' which is possibly a date letter for Exeter 1759, Exeter is the only English assay office to use a date letter stamp that isn't in a shaped punch. It doesn't have any other identifying hallmark visible so we can't say for certain but there is considerable wearing away of the gold so any other marks have likely worn off.
The moonstone seal is interesting, it is an armorial crest/coat of arms featuring a garter belt, a fist holding a rose bough, the monogrammed initials "WB" in Old English typeface and the Latin inscription 'ITA VINCIT' which, loosely translated means 'fairness wins'
This fob itself is solid gold (not gold cased) and quite large and heavy. Baroque style with embossed flower and foliate motifs it has a large wide bore bale at the top decorated with a gold bead. Originally worn by gents on pocket watch chains these high quality fobs make for unique antique pendants and can still be used to seal letters with wax, extremely collectable!
The fob is in fair to good antique condition given age and we have priced accordingly. It has seen a great deal of use sealing letters, the pattern in the gold is worn smooth where countless fingers have held it over hundreds of years. One of the fancy "legs" is missing which isn't visible if you wear it with the damaged area to the back, please see photos. The moonstone is foiled with some loss to the foil causing shadowy areas within the stone which is fairly typical with foiled stones. The intaglio seal is in lovely condition given age and turns out a well defined impression/imprint.
So obviously used and cherished the fob is steeped in history and deserves to be treasured again, we can't help but wonder who this family crest/coat of arms belonged to!
MATERIALS: at least 15 carat yellow gold, acid tested
GEMSTONE: Moonstone, Presidium tested, 18.5x15.5mm
MEASUREMENTS: Fob height 1-3/8" (35mm), base 1"x 5/8" (25x22mm)
DATE: Georgian, circa 1760.
WEIGHT: 17 grams
HALLMARKS: stamped with 'L' and acid tests to at least 15ct.
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