Art Nouveau Dragon Brooch

An antique Art Nouveau brooch circa 1910, featuring a dragon and sword motif drawn from the allegorical legend of St. George and the Dragon, accented by a bright old mine-cut diamond, approximately .03 ct., in the beast's mouth and a natural pearl at the top of the "sword".

Essentially it was faith in a higher power that killed the dragon, representative of any number of worldly evils, and this particular motif was quite popular in the 19th century for both its dramatic appeal as well as its symbolic reference to loyalty, fidelity and the proper moral standards.

Details: Measuring about 1 1/16" from top tip to bottom and 15/16" at the widest. There's a hook on the back that could have held a watch or locket, if the wearer preferred. This type of pin was popular before the advent of the wrist watch. Marked for 14k on the clasp with the jeweler's hallmark for L. Fritschze & Company, manufacturing jewelers out of Newark, N.J. from 1909-1931. Weighs approximately 3.1 grams.

CONDITION: In excellent condition with a light antique patina. The hinge and hooded C-clasp are in secure working order.