sold
a shell anchor love token
height 210mm x width 160mm at widest point.
sold
a good victorian shell anchor love token.
the shell anchor symbolised dependability with a romantic hint of travel to exotic places.
shell work was very much in vogue when queen victoria came to the throne in 1837. her reign coincided with a period of tremendous expansion as the industrial revolution gave more and more people free time, money and education to enjoy pastimes. coastal resorts and spas became popular holiday destinations. sea shells became very fashionable as souvenirs, in particular when they were incorporated into items such as this anchor, to be taken home as a reminder of the good times spent on holiday or as a keepsake or love token to be given to a potential suitor.
