an antique victorian keep sake love token, shell sailors valentine lucky horseshoe.
approx 200mm high x 185mm wide.
an exquisite lucky horseshoe shaped curved glass covered diorama, consisting of a colourful victorian print of a yacht in full sail, sailing close to the wind, set with shells and sea flora under glass. surrounded by pelicans foot shells , cowrie, clam, periwinkle and pretty coloured and pearlescent english and european shells. in victorian times the horseshoe was thought to be a potent emblem of goodluck and protection.
this is a fine example of a shell keepsake. the shells are bright and all intact, they have been carefully cleaned and conserved removing a century of dirt, soot and grime to revitalise their natural beauty. the wood effect paper on the reverse is in good condition, there is a ring ready for wall hanging. the hinged card leg for surface standing has lost its lower section at some stage in its history.
shell work was very much in vogue when queen victoria came to the throne in 1837. her reign coincided with a period of tremendous social 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 d'amour, 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.
this antique shell keepsake was manufactured in the uk over 100 years ago.
