Antique French 18K Armorial Rock Crystal Swivel Fob with Unicorns and Dogs

Dating to early 19th century France, this exquisite rock crystal fob has been hand fabricated in 18 karat gold. The ornate handle features a pair of loyal dogs flanking a scrolling openwork design which supports a revolving triple sided rock crystal seal. Finely engineered, the seal is held in place by a clip actuated by a spring and screw. Custom made, this was an object of status, both useful and wearable. Such fobs were typically worn on a watch chain or chatelaine and used to seal wax on letters or documents. Triple sided revolving seals were the most complex and costly to make, allowing for multiple identities or purposes (family crest, business monogram, marital alliance). 

Each rock crystal face in intaglio carved with remarkable precision. The face of the first crystal bears an elegant monogram beneath a coronet, the second features a conjoined heraldic shields with wheat sheafs and stars flanked by a pair of noble unicorns topped by a coronet and the third displays another pair of conjoined heraldic shields under a coronet with a tiny face at the base. These represent a union between two families, possibly through a marriage. 

Weight: 28 grams

Measurements: 2" to the top of the bail, 1 1/8" wide

Markings: french eagles head hallmark located on the side 

Markings: French eagles head for 18K gold