This antique watch fob would have originally been worn on a pocket watch chain as both a counterbalance and a display of personal wealth and taste. The seal on the bottom could be used to close off personal correspondence with a dot of hot wax.
It is made from a very pretty, semi-translucent piece of agate, which is mostly white but has a swirl of dark red inclusions.
Its seal is carved with a monogram in mirror image, which I believe reads ‘JS’ but I have added a picture showing the mirror image so you can make it out for yourself.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 33 x 23 x 19 mm, excluding the jump ring. The seal measures 23 x 19 mm.
Weight: 9.45 grams.
Age: Early 19th Century, circa 1800.
Material: The gold loop is made from 18k gold.
Condition: In good antique condition with some minor wear, consistent with its age. The reddish part of the mineral has a more gritty texture than the rest of the agate: you will therefore notice in the pictures that the area where this part of the mineral reaches the surface, for instance on the side of the seal, is less polished and more gritty than the rest of the fob. The jump ring was missing, so I had a new one made by my bench jeweler.
Please note that the antique box and the necklace are for display purposes. This shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.