Antique French Empire Coral Hair Comb Diadem Tiara Gold Vermeil Silver

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Antique French Empire tiara diadem hair comb dating to the early 19th century comprising of gilt vermeil silver and natural red coral … Read more Antique French Empire tiara diadem hair comb dating to the early 19th century comprising of gilt vermeil silver and natural red coral beads. Featuring a gallery with a single row of coral beads resting above an embossed frieze of neoclassical palmettes. Centered by an openwork gallery of coral beads suspended within a sunflower motif. Further decorated with a row of coral beads topped with twisted rope decoration and crowned with larger faceted coral. In very good condition with general wear from use and age with no missing coral. Hallmarked with the head of a hare. This mark was typically used on small silver items and is a guarantee mark (poinçon de garantie)  placed by the Bureau de Garantie de Paris. In use from 1819 -1838, the mark indicates a silver content of at least .800/1000. On the comb is the mark of a horse's head to denote a silver finesse of .843/1000 silver, the mark first introduced in 1795. Hallmark of lictor fasces with axe for small silver guarantee for Paris 1809-1819. Maker's mark of the silversmith.  Measures 6 1/4" across x 4 1/8" height. Weighs 82.1 grams. See less