19TH CENTURY CUFFED HAND STANHOPE STICKPIN

A super cool mid 19th Century Hand stickpin with a Stanhope of Emmanuel Victor II.

The hand has been carved meticulously out of frosted amethyst coloured glass! And has a beautifully chased high carat gold base.

The hand is grasping a gold telescope that holds a Stanhope image of the King of Italy:

Emmanuel Victor II.

The image is so clear, even after all these years.

Victor Emmanuel II was King of Sardinia from 1849 until 17 March 1861, when he assumed the title of King of Italy and became the first king of a united Italy since the 6th century, a title he held until his death in 1878.

He was the most beloved ruler of the House of Savoy, not least because of his human qualities.

Stanhopes were invented in 1857, and are devices that enable the viewing of microphotos without using a microscope.
During Victorian times, little secret images were added to jewellery, often only the wearer knowing there were there!

Approx size of hand 2.5cm x 1.5cm

Total length incl pin: 9cm

Weight approx: 5.3g

Such a rare and wonderful piece!

Sold with the stickpin box shown in photos