Georgian Serpent Mourning Brooch; Circa 1809

An extraordinarily beautiful and deeply personal piece of Georgian mourning jewellery. This remarkable brooch dates to 1809 and preserves an intimate connection to the Reverend Thomas Tucker of Somerset.

The brooch takes the form of a beautifully coiled serpent in warm 9 carat gold and completely encrusted with delicate pearls and tiny ruby set eyes. The pearls carry a particularly poignant meaning within mourning jewellery, traditionally representing tears shed in grief.

At the centre of the serpent sits a circular glazed locket compartment, still containing a small amount of human hair. Remarkably, even the delicate original gold thread used to bind the hair together appears to survive. Hair was one of the most treasured materials used in Georgian mourning jewellery, providing a tangible part of a loved one that could be preserved close to the heart long after their death.

The reverse of the brooch bears the original engraved memorial inscription 'Rev.d Tho Tucker Obt 24th January 1809, At 73'. The inscription identifies the individual commemorated as the Reverend Thomas Tucker, who died on 24th January 1809 at the age of 73.

Our research has allowed us to trace Thomas beyond the inscription. He was a Reverend and parish rector in Somerset, serving the parish of Kingdon, and was married to Mary. At the time of his death, the couple had two children, also named Mary and Thomas.

Within the church where Thomas served, a memorial plaque survives commemorating members of his family. Included upon the memorial are Thomas himself, his wife Mary, their son Thomas and their daughter Mary. Their son followed his father's path and also became a rector, continuing the family's connection with the church after his father's death.

A remarkably intimate and historically important survivor, this is far more than an antique brooch. It is a tiny, wearable memorial to the Reverend Thomas Tucker, carrying a physical connection to him and his family for over 215 years.

DETAILS

ERA: Georgian 1809

SNAKE: 25 x 27mm approximately 

WEIGHT: 5.8 grams approximately  

HALLMARKING: Unhallmarked 9 Carat Gold

CONDITION: The brooch is in good antique condition with only a fine patina of wear to the pearls ruby and gold setting. 

If you have any questions about this or any other questions please get in touch & please note the box is for display only.

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> All of the jewels we work with are antique or vintage and as such they are sold ‘as seen. This means theyre not perfect. They carry the love and journey of generations who love them before. These jewels should be worn with extra and love and care.