371
371
Victorian
Gutta-percha sailor’s chain and horn bracelet
Gutta-percha sailor’s chain and horn bracelet
The large marine link chain with an anchor and a book pendant; the bracelet with an oval padlock clasp
Chain 12.25 in, bracelet 7.75 in; Gross weight 41.2 dwts
estimate: $300–500
result: $1,008
Gutta-percha is a dark organic substance that resembles rubber, derived from tropical trees along the Pacific Rim (genera Payena and Palaquium in the family Sapotaceae). Used by the natives of the Malaysian archipelago for making tools, it was discovered and introduced into medical use by the Europeans in the 1600s. In the 1800s gutta-percha was occasionally used in the fabrication of mourning jewelry for its dark color and the ease of molding it into any shape. Few examples of gutta-percha jewels survive, making them a very rare find.
This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.