{"product_id":"antique-victorian-vulcanite-mourning-locket-cross-bottony-fleury-decoration-c1875-1885-c3078","title":"Antique Victorian Vulcanite Mourning Locket Cross Bottony Fleury Decoration c1875-1885 - C3078","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA late Victorian vulcanite mourning locket dating to around 1875 to 1885, decorated with an applied cross bottony \/ fleury type design on the front. The finely patterned interior retains both brass retaining rings and one slightly domed glazed panel, likely original.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn antique Victorian mourning locket made from vulcanite and dating to around 1875 to 1885.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe oval locket has a gently domed body with a raised decorative panel to the front. The central design is a stylised Christian cross, combining features associated with the cross bottony and cross fleury, surrounded by scrolling foliate ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCross forms were particularly appropriate to Victorian mourning jewellery, where Christian imagery expressed faith, remembrance and the hope of resurrection. Trefoil ended crosses carried Trinitarian associations as well, making the design well suited to jewellery connected with bereavement. Victorian jewellery of the period used bottony cross forms in both decorative and sentimental contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe black colour and religious symbolism fit the conventions of deeper or first period mourning, when jewellery was expected to be comparatively sober in colour and decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe interior is particularly attractive and considerably more decorative than most lockets of the period, the engraving rendered with fine detail throughout. Both brass retaining rings remain in place, and one side retains its slightly domed glass cover, consistent with the original construction. The interior would have held photographs, hairwork or other personal keepsakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe locket is fitted with a brass pin hinge and a vulcanite suspension loop with a brass connecting ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe front surface is beginning to develop the olive brown tone often seen on antique vulcanite after prolonged exposure to light. This colour change is characteristic of the material: vulcanite gradually shifts from deep black towards brown, bronze or olive tones as it ages and is exposed to light, rather than being any form of later applied colouring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition for the material and period, with minor age related surface wear. Both internal retaining rings remain and one compartment retains its slightly domed glass cover. There is some movement between the two halves from age, so the locket does not currently latch securely closed. The brass hinge pin remains in place and operates correctly. The exterior shows the beginning of the olive brown colour change associated with light exposed vulcanite.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: 4.7cm [1.85in] (excluding suspension loop)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth: 4cm [1.57in]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 16.4g [0.58oz]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Vulcanite with brass fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterior: Two retaining rings, one compartment with glazed cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecoration: Cross bottony \/ fleury type with scrolling foliate surround\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDate: Circa 1875 to 1885\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003eC3078 AG26-5\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTracked and insured shipping is provided free of charge to most UK addresses, there may be charges for remote or offshore locations. Your item(s) will usually be shipped within 48hrs of order (weekdays), you will receive an email with confirmation of shipping and tracking code when your item is despatched. Delivery is usually 1-3 business days from despatch, if you need an item more urgently please get in touch to see if we can assist.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor international buyers\u003c\/strong\u003e once you have added the item to your cart and specified your delivery address the system will calculate the shipping price for you. Shipping prices are automatically calculated for the most common destinations and items, if the system does not give you a shipping price for your particular item and location simply \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bluecherryantiques.co.uk\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e and we will update the system for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease note if you are purchasing an item for delivery outside the UK you may have to pay taxes and duties upon import. Blue Cherry Antiques does not collect tax or duty on any sale, and the payment of such taxes should they arise is the responsibility of the purchaser.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShipping for international orders will be by a tracked (where possible) and insured service via airmail or parcel carrier depending on location and item purchased.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blue Cherry Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56249908953473,"sku":"C3078","price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0232\/7337\/files\/C3078_Victorian_Carved_Mourning_Locket_6_of_11.jpg?v=1789200053","url":"https:\/\/www.bluecherryantiques.co.uk\/products\/antique-victorian-vulcanite-mourning-locket-cross-bottony-fleury-decoration-c1875-1885-c3078","provider":"Blue Cherry Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}