This little coral hand was originally a stickpin, which I had converted into a pendant. It holds a fierce-looking dagger, and is fitted with a large, partially engraved yellow-gold cuff.
Tiny carved coral hands have been popular talismans in Italy for centuries. The most famous examples are the 'Mano Fica' and the 'Mano Corno', which both use hand signals to ward off evil. This hand likely was also worn for its protective symbolism, warding off evil with the tiny dagger.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 25 x 24 mm.
Weight: 1.53 grams
Age: 19th Century, Victorian era, circa 1860s.
Material: Acid tested as 18k gold.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. The original stick pin has been refashioned into a jump ring, that hides behind the cuff.
Please note that 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.
Tiny carved coral hands have been popular talismans in Italy for centuries. The most famous examples are the 'Mano Fica' and the 'Mano Corno', which both use hand signals to ward off evil. This hand likely was also worn for its protective symbolism, warding off evil with the tiny dagger.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 25 x 24 mm.
Weight: 1.53 grams
Age: 19th Century, Victorian era, circa 1860s.
Material: Acid tested as 18k gold.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. The original stick pin has been refashioned into a jump ring, that hides behind the cuff.
Please note that 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.