Art Nouveau Dragon & Sword Brooch signed Riker Bros.

An antique 14k Art Nouveau brooch circa 1900, designed and signed by Riker Bros., featuring a dragon and sword motif, a narrative drawn from the allegorical legend of St. George and the Dragon. The beautifuly etched details of feathers and scales deepen the gold's patina, while a tiny gleaming ruby eye offers a hint of sparkle against the rich warm hue of the metal.

The moral of St. George's story is that essentially it was faith in a higher power that killed the dragon, the beast representative of any number of worldly evils. 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 1/8" wide and  and 1" high. 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. Weighs 4.9 grams and marked for 14k on the back next to the hallmark for Riker Bros., manufacturing jewelers out of Newark, NJ from 1857 to 1943. Considered one of the premier jewelry houses of the Art Nouveau era, their pieces are highly sought after today.

Condition: In excellent condition with a light antique patina. The hinge and hooded C-clasp are in secure working order. There is a short series of numbers lightly etched on the back, this is likely the catalogue or style number of the original retail jeweler.