An exceptional and rare c.1740-1800 gentleman's cravat or tie pin, instantly identifiable as having come from the old Palais Royal boutiques. The presence of the kiln-fired enamel pansy, which we usually watch for on 18k gold sewing sets from that era and cultural mecca, is beautifully preserved. The piece has an early goldsmith's mark guarantee of 18k gold, but my photographer missed seeing it. It's visible join his images, however, on the arched stem connecting the finback's clasp to the larger rectangular pin. I've had portrait miniatures showing this pin in use, and it was obviously a prized cravat pin in its time. There was some significance to the flowers, but I am not sure enough of it to note exactly what that was here. I'll have to do more research. A fabulous gift, and certainly can be worn by either a gentleman or lady, though it was originally a man's jewelry item.
Very good to excellent condition, we have confirmed the 18k gold with an acid test, but you can also see the small assayer's mark. The rectangular head of the cravat pin is 5/8" x 1/2" and the overall length of it is 1 3/4" long. I find no damage. No bends, no dings or loss beyond a tiny tiny bit on a petal of the blue flower. Shown greatly enlarged, you can easily evaluate it yourself. Again, a very early Palais Royal jewelry item, c.1740-1800.
