Antique Victorian Skull Pill Box Pendant Fob – 18K Gilt Vermeil Silver – Garnets

Offered here is an exceptional and highly evocative Victorian-era Memento Mori skull-form pill box pendant fob, dating to the mid–late 19th century.

Crafted in solid silver with rich 18k gilt vermeil, the pendant is boldly modeled as a human skull and opens on a concealed hinge, originally intended as a pill box or reliquary. Pieces of this type were often worn as fobs or pendants and carried strong symbolic meaning relating to mortality, remembrance, and faith.

The skull is hand engraved throughout, with particularly striking detail:

• The eyes are set with natural garnet gemstones, giving a dramatic and powerful expression
• The reverse features a finely engraved Memento Mori skeleton motif, showing two skeletal figures flanking an hourglass — a classic Victorian reminder of the passage of time
• Crisp engraving and sculptural detail throughout, entirely hand-finished

The interior retains its original gilt finish and shows correct antique wear consistent with age.

Details

• Period: Victorian, circa mid–late 19th century
• Materials: Solid silver with 18k gilt vermeil
• Stones: Natural garnets (eyes)
• Height: approx. 40 mm
• Form: Skull-shaped pill box / pendant / fob
• Decoration: Hand engraved Memento Mori imagery
• Hinge & closure: Original, functional
• It comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $1900

Condition Report

Good genuine antique condition.

Expected age-related wear, light surface rubbing, and patina consistent with Victorian silver gilt objects. Garnets are intact and securely set. Hinge opens and closes properly. No modern repairs observed.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Remarks

Highly collectible Memento Mori jewelry of this quality and complexity is increasingly scarce. Skull-form pill boxes with gem-set eyes are especially sought after and rarely appear on the market.

An outstanding piece for:

• Advanced Victorian jewelry collectors
• Gothic & Memento Mori collectors
• Museum-quality curiosity cabinets
• Statement antique jewelry wear
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