Victorian 14K Gold Mechanical Eagle Dress Train Holder Ring

This is a remarkable 14k gold mechanical handkerchief or dress train clip. Made in the likeness of an eagle head, the mechanical mouth opens and closes to clip onto a handkerchief or dress train. The ring would be worn on the finger, while a handkerchief or dress train would have been clipped into the eagle's beak. A ring at the end has a lever that when retracted opens and closes the mouth of the eagle. This object is all about the details. The head of the eagle is finely sculpted, the bird with a heavy brow and delicately engraved feathers.  The hexagon shaft that leads to the lever is decorated with hand engraved repeating engine turn motifs. Mechanical objects were popular during the Victorian era, and the Victorians had an object for everything. This is a great example of a personal accessory, circa 1880.

An object to be cherished, it comes in the original red satin and black velvet lined fitted case  This item is very rare and is the only one I have seen with the likeness of an eagle.  It certainly took a gifted jeweler to make this expressive bird. It is a special item ideal for collectors, but what makes this piece wonderful is that it looks great on a chain, so it can be worn as a pendant as well.

The clip is 3 1/4" in length and 5/8" wide. It weighs 4.4 grams. The red satin case measures 4" x 1 1/2". Unmarked; acid tests as 14k. There is evidence of solder, likely from the object’s original construction.