DATE: Aesthetic Movement, c.1880

A particularly lovely silver Aesthetic Movement locket dating from the 1880s and charged with Victorian romantic symbolism - or course. The front features a swallow (these birds mated for life, representing love and constancy) flying amongst bamboo leaves and branches, while the back is very different with a sea of stylized ivy leaves (fidelity - I cling to thee) with a second swallow above (unusually with palm trees in the background - never seen that before). It opens to reveal a portrait photograph of a young soldier in uniform.

MEASUREMENTS 

4.5 x 3.2cm

WEIGHT 

10.8g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as sterling silver

CONDITION 

Very good, with fine antique patina