This is a Victorian-era intaglio carved white agate watch key made in 12 kt yellow gold with an insignia of a lion and a shield. The key is still functioning, and can be used to wind up an antique watch, or alternatively this small piece can be worn as a charming pendant. When pressed onto wax, the intaglio on the agate stone reveals a heraldic Lion on his hind legs, symbol of royalty and courage, above a family shield. There is some really nice detail to this carving, and the agate has a soft polish finish and has no cracks. The Lion rampant is holding a cross in his hand, the same double cross that repeats in the family crest intaglio. The key is most likely Scottish, since white agate was a popular and desired stone to carve into in the Victorian era, and the Lion was an animal used to represent the Royal Banner of Scotland.
The key pendant approximately 3/8 x 3/8 x 3/4 of an inch and weighs 2.9 grams.
