This is a beautiful, Victorian period, ca 1880, hand carved shell cameo pendant brooch which depicts "Leda and the Swan". The cameo flips over so the pendant can be worn showing a photograph of a young boy under glass. The photo is under the original, very thick, convex glass which is in excellent, scratch free condition. The glass has protected the portrait very well. It has no damage. In order to "flip" the cameo you need to undo the pin on the back and push on one side or the other, and the piece will turn over to the desired side. There is a large bail at the top of the brooch which folds down if you do not want to wear the piece as a pendant. The original pin is on the back as well and attaches to the original "C"' hook typical of the period.
The carving on the cameo is very fine showing excellent detail. There is no damage to the shell at all, and there is no damage to the photo or glass. Please see the condition report above. The chain that is attached to the piece is old, and it is slightly tarnished.
The pendant measures 2 3/4" tall including the tall bail. It is 2" wide frame side to frame side. The cameo itself measures 1 1/2" tall and 1 1/4" wide.
These flippers are hard to come by especially with such desirable subject matter on both sides, and because it is in such fine antique condition.
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