Basilisk and Pearl Stickpin
The Basilisk |
| A regal basilisk tempts the unwary with a
luminous pearl. Basilisks have the upper body of an eagle
(or rooster) and the lower body of a serpent. They were
known for their deathly stares and venomous breath. Beware
a basilisk offering a pearl. Finely crafted in 14kt gold,
circa 1900.
Alling & Company, the maker of this stickpin, was a maker of fine stickpins, cufflinks and other jewels from 1843 to 1915. The firm's jewels were sold by prominent jewelers of the day, including Tiffany & Company, Bailey, Banks & Biddle in Philadelphia and Bigelow, Kennard in Boston. The maker's mark for Alling & Co. (a shamrock enclosing "14" and an "A") is stamped on the reverse of the griffin. This stickpin is beautifully crafted. The pin stem is secured to the solid back of the basilisk with a sturdy collet. (see photograph below) Cost: Although this elegant stickpin has sold, you will find many more fine stickpins in the Antique Stickpin Gallery. |
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Here are a few more elegant jewels from the
past ...
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| Antique Jewelry Galleries Antique Stickpin Gallery If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, I can be reached at 978 525-8951 or arthur@jewelryexpert.com.
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