Victorian Unicorn's Head Intaglio Flip Fob

A wonderful, large, Victorian-era fob, modeled in 15k yellow gold and set with an intaglio carved, layered (blue) agate gem. This fine, hand-carved, wax seal is two-sided; it features a unicorn's head on one side, and a monogram (HC) on the other. The unicorn is heroic— shown in profile atop a ribbon base, its beard and mane wave. Below our unicorn's head, a curling banner features the motto "over fork over," in careful, blocky, serif lettering. The letters CH (on the seal's reverse) are rendered in stylized gothic lettering— these letters have fine linear texture and spade shaped terminals. This round double-seal is held in a milgrained bezel that flips inside a broad, flat stirrup. The fob mount is decorated with a stylized, rope-wrapped boat cleat. It is topped with a heavy bail. This fob would have belonged to an important member of the Scottish clan Cunningham. The motto, which is strange (and a little funny) taken on its own, has its roots in a story about a Cunningham hiding the king in a pile of straw, to save him from an assassination attempt. This is one of the finest fobs we've ever had the pleasure to offer, and its lay-flat style makes it an ideal pendant!

Materials

15k gold
Agate

Age

c. 1860

Dimensions

Total drop (including bail) measures approx 34 mm (about 1 1/3"); seal measures approx 18 mm (about 3/4"); weight is substantial at approx 10 grams.