In the 1860’s and 1870’s, neoclassicism had a resurgence. In American silver, classical images of Greek gods, goddesses, and warriors were portrayed on medallions to resemble coins and currency. Every American silver company had their own medallion pattern that would be used to embellish their silver flatware and hollowware, as well as jewelry items.
This sterling silver Whiting Co. pin depicts two warriors in profile, facing each other on overlapping medallions. The larger medallion depicts Achilles the Greek god who is often portrayed with a dragon on his helmet, as seen on this pin. The smaller medallion has a similar profile of a woman with flowing hair and a headress—perhaps Helen of Troy, or a Greek goddess or maiden. A popular trend in neoclassical medallion jewelry was to make items that appeared to have been unearthed in an archeological dig. This one has chipped corners and fractures as if it had been excavated from an Ancient Greek ruin.
Whiting Manufacturing Co. opened in 1866 in North Attleboro, MA under William Dean Whiting. After a fire at their workshop, the company moved to New York, where they were heavily influenced by Japanese aesthetic, particularly Asian motifs of goldfish, lotus flowers, seashells, and cranes. They also manufactured items with neoclassical motifs that were popular during the Victorian era.
The pin measure 2” x 1.25”. It weighs 13 grams. It is marked on the back as sterling silver and with the Whiting maker’s mark.
Circa 1880.
