British Raj: Large Tiger Claw Pendant
Whether traversing the ruins of Pompeii or gazing at the magic of Indian snake charmers, British travelers of the late 19th and early 20th century were ever on the lookout for out of the ordinary souvenirs. It was only natural that during the British colonization of India that a market for native craft emerged. Such was the case for jewelry made during the time of British Raj or rule in India.
Larger than most, this natural tiger claw is encased in a cap of 9k rose gold. The original rose gold pendant bale is in the shape of a triangle and can be used to suspend the pendant from a necklace chain or a chain link bracelet.
Condition: Good; one small indention on the top front of the cap; the reverse has three small imperfections to the gold; when viewed with magnification there is a minor separation between the cap and claw which, over time, has shrunken a tad.
Measurements: 1-15/16 inches (4.9 cm) in total length including ½ of an inch (1.2 cm) bale by ¾ of an inch (1.9 cm) at the widest.
Date & Origin: Circa 1900 – 1910; British Raj India and English for the British market.
