eBay

Antique Victorian Caduceus brooch. 18k gold. Made 19th century.

Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman. Appropriate especially for a doctor.

Measurements: Weight is 5.9 grams. Length is 1 7/8 inches (4.8cm).

Description : The caduceus was the symbol of the Greek god, Hermes and became the symbol for medicine and doctors in later years. This is a particularly lovely caduceus, entirely worked in 18k yellow gold. The symbol with a golden staff in its center, upon which a pair of serpents wind. Bodies of the snakes are graduated in size and form loops as the snakes twine around one another. Smallest loop at the bottom. Unusually fine engraved detail to bodies of snakes, giving scaley, naturalistic effect. The heads of the snakes curve in opposite directions, forming a large U shape, the final loop in the body of snakes. Fabulous deatil to the heads of the snakes, from scales to eyes and forked tongues.

Above the snakes is a pair of wings, as though partially held aloft by the snake heads. Again, the detail is fabulous - very fine engraving giving a soft and feathery effect, with catches the light at different points and causes a great play of brightness and shade.

C-clasp. Pin was probably replaced at some time.

Marks and Metal: No marks. Gold was electronically tested as 18k or above (except for replaced pin).

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON METALS:

The metal in antique and vintage jewelry was handmade and not as homogenous as metal from a factory, made today. Digital technology was not available at the time and metals may test at slightly different karats from place to place in the same item or differ slightly from the hallmark punched at the time.

Clasps, closures, bar hinges, arms and pins are routinely of a lower karat for strength.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE:

Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.

We have been selling high quality genuine antiques on the internet since 1998. Buy with confidence. We are reliable as our record shows, and we guarrantee everything we sell. See our policies below.

Check out my other eBay auctions!

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers

Please read our TERMS & CONDITIONS below: Florida residents to pay State sales tax.

RETURN POLICY:

If for any reason at all you are not completely happy with your purchase, please return the item. Please ship within 2 days of receiving your item unless otherwise agreed with us. We would appreciate it if you notify us in advance, and explain the reason for the return. Please pack carefully to ensure the item reaches us in the same condition it left here and don't forget to insure and track properly.

--------------

PAYMENT & SHIPPING:

--------------

Any questions, just ask. We usually use UPS or USPS for domestic service and USPS express for international shipping. Domestic shipping and handling will be free. Since we are obliged to use ?signature required? on all parcels over $200.00 it might be useful to use a business address. Please check that the address we receive from PayPal is the address you wish to use.

Overseas insurance may be limited by foreign post office. For any other shipping arrangements, please ask us. Buyer is responsible for knowing shipping prohibitions and restrictions in his/her country we will look them up for you if you need help.

--------------

OVERSEAS: Note:

--------------

Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer?s responsibility. Please check with your country?s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. Thank you

--------------