Antique Sterling Articulated FISH pendant/box.
This ingeniously fabricated little KOI or Carp has a conflicting history or maybe it did serve a dual purpose dependent upon the nationally of its owner.
It has been historically noted as a Spice Box (Besamim) - Spices or other aromatic plant or fruit used during the Havdalah ceremony marking the close of Shabbat or A Chinese Snuff Box - from the Silk Road - the form of a fish is the symbol of abundance and wealth in China.
There is a hook type latch under the head of the fish that unhooks and the head opens to reveal a cavity that is lined and this is where the Spices or the Snuff would have been stored. There would have been a little silver insert that held the spices or snuff, but it is missing hotsell. It is possible that this design did not have one.
The hook clasp works great.
Measures - 4 1/4" length X 1" width
Weighs - 29.75 grams
The Fish is in GOOD vintage condition - the silver does has some Patina.
At some point there was a red accent around the eyes and mouth - that has worn off.
This little Fish was loved and worn as a pendent at some point.
Excellent condition.c.1900. Possibly Chinese.
Product code: Antique ARTICULATED Fish Silver | Spice Box | Snuff Box hotsell | Sterling