Circa 1929, this Art Deco charm is rendered in 18k gold, with intricate enamel work depicting a mallard duck. The shape of the image was etched out of the gold so that the enamel lays flat for a flush surface. The enamel has various gradations of grays and browns, and includes tiny, wonderfully done details like a ring of white feathers around the duck’s neck and webbed feet folded back behind its body. The image of the bird is like a tiny, highly detailed painting. Enamel work like this was popular during the Art Deco era and often featured breeds of dogs or the profiles of horses. This one is masterfully done with beautifully rendered details.
The charm was originally part of a cufflink set, and we converted it by attaching a half-bail to the piece, connected to an oval bail for movement. The charm has a nice format: an oval shape that sits horizontally and looks great on a chain. The charm measures 11/16” x 1/2”, not including the 5 x 7 mm bail. It weighs 2.4 grams.
The charm contains the maker’s mark “C&F” as well as the marks for England and 18k. This charm was originally part of a pair of cufflinks, and the other cufflink also contained the date mark for 1929. The oval bail acid tests as 14k, while the rest of the piece is 18k.
Variations of the charm with a Sandpiper Bird and a Dove are also available in our shop.
