French gold

[Lindsey webb]

Wondered if anyone knows much about French gold enamel brooches??
Can't really focus in on the marks on the clasp but can definately see an eagles head.
Does anyone have a clue??? Thank you

 

[VRBeauty]

The French hallmarking system dates back to the 13th century and is regarded as the most complex due to the many marks one can encounter. This is especially true for large silverware. For smaller items, as jewelry, the system is much more simplified and comprises of a mark indicating the precious metal and a maker's mark. Since 1838 an eagle's head indicates a gold purity of at least 18 karat and the boar's head or crab mark is stamped on articles with a minimum fineness of 800/1000 silver. These three marks are the most prolific on French jewelry. The crab was used for articles made in the departements while the boar's head was the mark of the Paris assay office. From 1912 a dog's head is used as the mark for platinum.

http://www.langantiques.com/university/Hallmarks_on_Period_Jewelry#France

"Dieu vous garde" - "God keep/protect you"... very nice - not a sentiment I'd expect to see on such an ornate piece, but I guess that's a question of cultural perspective!

 

[Lindsey webb]

Thank you