Detailed description: Vintage 1950's sterling silver reverse painted intaglio cabochon charm. We have very few of these left. Available in gold-plated upon request! Approx. dimensions 13mm or 1/2" in diameter. Stamped sterling on back. These charms were sometimes referred to as, sport crystals, Essex glass crystal, intaglios, rosettes or cabs. These charms are considered to be extremely rare and highly collectible.
History of Baa Baa Black Sheep nusery rhyme: "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" is an English nusery rhyme, the earliest surviving version of which dates from 1731. The words have changed little in two and a half centuries. It is sung to a variant of the 1761 French melody Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman. Uncorroborated theories have been advanced to explain the meaning of the rhyme. These include that it is a complaint against Medieval English taxes on wool and that it is about the slave trade. In the twentieth century it was a subject of controversies in debates about political correctness. It has been used in literature and popular culture as a metaphor and allusion. The Roud Folk Song Index, classifies the lyrics and their variations as number 4439.
History of reverse painted intaglios: " Sport crystals " are glass cabochons containing reverse carved / molded intaglio images or scenes. Each piece was hand-painted into a reverse carved image. Some of these rare pieces have unusual mother of pearl backgrounds. These amazing pieces of art were first manufactured during the Victorian Era. 19th Century and early Victorian crystals are sometimes referred to as " Essex crystal ". Because they are so intricate and tiny its difficult to manufacture them today. Current high manufacturing costs make producing these crystals cost prohibitive. As a result, these crystals have become sought after rarities and historical treasures.
In the early 1980's, a large charm manufacturer called Aetna Creations Inc., went out of business leaving behind a stock of thousands of different moveable charms. We recently purchased the remains of this treasure trove and we're offering them on ebay weekly. We recommend you bid on the charms of your choice as they are offered on a "first come first serve" basis. We can not guarantee that they will be offered again. Some of these items become very rare and are limited in supply. Some of the charms found were by the Wells and Top Hat charm companies. Most of their charms were produced from 1957-1964. Although these charms are in like-new condition they are in fact 38-45 years old ( a.k.a. new old stock ). These charms possess excellent quality not found in most charms produced today. Many of these charms are touch-marked "sterling" or "STG" on the loop. These charms are guaranteed to be old unless otherwise noted. Feel free to check our feedback for references. Multiple purchases receive a discount on the shipping. In the early 1980's, a large charm manufacturer called Aetna Creations Inc., went out of business leaving behind a stock of thousands of different moveable charms. We recently purchased the remains of this treasure trove and we're offering them on ebay weekly. We recommend you bid on the charms of your choice as they are offered on a "first come first serve" basis. We can not guarantee that they will be offered again. Some of these items become very rare and are limited in supply. Some of the charms found were by the Wells and Top Hat charm companies. Most of their charms were produced from 1957-1964. Although these charms are in like-new condition they are in fact 38-45 years old ( a.k.a. new old stock ). These charms possess excellent quality not found in most charms produced today. Many of these charms are touch-marked "sterling" or "STG" on the loop. These charms are guaranteed to be old unless otherwise noted. Feel free to check our feedback for references. Multiple purchases receive a discount on the shipping.