This interesting pendant hides a fun secret! Made from wood and 14k gold, it depicts a hand holding a ball. The ball has a little lens and when you look through this, you will see a teeny tiny picture of a busy 19th Century Parisian street. Several people - the gentleman all wearing top hats - are making their way crossing the boulevard, which is further filled with horse-drawn carriages.
The technique of displaying a picture through a tiny hole in a small object is now known as a 'Stanhope'. It was invented in 1857 by the Frenchman René Dragon and in the late 19th and early 20th Century, it was often used to decorate souvenirs, often showing tourist sites, although there were also quite a few that showed more risqué pictures of naked ladies.
The picture inside is a copy of a 19th Century print of the busy Boulevard des Italians in Paris. The boulevard is crowded with several coaches and pedestrians, all making their way through the busy streets. Unfortunately, the photograph has sustained water damage and is not as crystal clear as it was originally. The title above the picture reads 'Boulevards des Paris' and the bottom title reads 'Boulevards des Italiens'. I have included a picture of the original print so you can see its details more clearly.
Stanhopes were a popular souvenir during the 'Exhibition Universelle' or World Expo that was held in Paris in 1889. This international event presented the latest developments in science, technology, applied and liberal arts, which attracted more than 32 million visitors from all over the world. The Eiffel Tower was built especially for the Exposition and has remained the most recognized symbol of the city ever since. It is very likely that this pendant was sold as a souvenir during this exposition.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 50 mm long, excluding the jump ring.
Weight: 4.05 grams.
Age: Late 19th Century, circa 1880s.
Material: Wood and 14k yellow gold (acid tested).
Condition: The pendant is in antique condition with some wear and damage. There are some tears in the gold sheet that covers the hand. The picture inside is, unfortunately, less clear due to water damage.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties and VAT.