|
|||
18th Century European SterlingFamily Crest, Cherubs and Crown Pin NWS 8-462 ~ This is the oldest piece in the Fabulous Facets collection. I believe this awesome old pin is a family crest, created for its 18th century owner (date is "best guess") ~ At the center is a shield, with a crown on top, and at either side of the shield is a winged angel facing outwards, and above them are 2 more winged angels. Angels signify dignity, glory, and honour; one who has angels in his family crest may have been a missionary, or "bearer of joyful news" ~ At the center of the crown is a fleur de lis, which is a symbol of cadency assigned to the 6th born son in a family; the crown itself means Ducal, or Duke, so this crest would have belonged to a royal family. The Fleur de Lis: The English translation of "fleur-de-lis" (sometimes spelled "fleur-de-lys") is "flower of the lily." This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life. Legend has it that an angel presented Clovis, the Merovingian king of the Franks, with a golden lily as a symbol of his purification upon his conversion to Christianity. Others claim that Clovis adopted the symbol when waterlilies showed him how to safely cross a river and thus succeed in battle. ~ The "dots" inside the shield represent hills, usually in groups of three (herre there are 6). They are called "Coupeaux" and usually represent the family's homeland or estate~ Measures 1.75" high and 2" wide ~ Marked on back "800" for the grade of sterling, indicating this pin is of European origin ~ Original "C" clasp and pin stem on back c. 1780 - 1880, best guess, with original patina (I don't polish antique sterling jewelry, but you can if you want) Price = |
|||
|
|
