93 - G. RIDDLE, A VICTORIAN MOTHER-OF-PEARL WRITING SET

G. RIDDLE, A VICTORIAN MOTHER-OF-PEARL WRITING SET Comprising a quill pen, a pencil, a paper clip and a folding pen knife, each mother-of-pearl handle applied with a gold snake, its head set with a small old-cut diamond. The paper clip further applied with silver flowers and leaves; with engraved and silver-gilt mounts. Tests as gold (snakes), silver-gilt (mounts) Signed G. RIDDLE LONDON Accompanied by a fitted indigo case with blue silk and velvet interior. Gross weight: 60.00g (total) All diamonds are present. There is small chipping to the mother-of-pearl in places, particularly to the paper clip, and some signs of wear consistent with age. The set is offered in very good condition. Gabriel Riddle was in partnership with Sampson Mordan from 1823 until 1837, after which he traded independently as a maker of pencils and writing instruments. The snake, symbolising eternal love, was one of the most popular motifs of early Victorian jewellery and personal accessories.