A distinguished French Art Nouveau stickpin in 18ct gold, c.1900, modelled as an eagle with wings fully spread, the feather work rendered with exceptional precision and depth across the entire 2.4cm spread of the head. The eagle was a powerful and enduring motif in the decorative arts of the period, its associations with strength, vision, and sovereignty making it a natural subject for the finest French goldsmiths. The quality of the chasing here — each feather individually worked — is a mark of serious craftsmanship. Hallmarked with French assay marks for 18ct gold and a maker's mark; numbered, suggesting this may be from a registered or limited design series. At 3.3g and 8cm pin length this is a stickpin of considerable presence and authority.

The Details

• Circa: 1900
• Weight: 3.3g
• Head diameter: 2.4cm
• Pin length: 8cm
• Hallmarks: French assay marks for 18ct gold; maker's mark; numbered
• Origin: France