Antique Victorian Silver Mounted Deer Tooth Pendant

Here on offer is an unusual antique Victorian period silver mounted deer tooth pendant, circa 1880.

This pendant has been made from a large deer’s tooth, which would have been a ‘trophy’ from a hunt for a loved one.

The tooth itself is in excellent undamaged condition and it has been skilfully mounted in a thin silver frame, with a silver loop at the top.

The silver isn’t marked but test for at least 925 grade silver and was probably made in Germany so is likely to be the higher German grade of 935.

Some facts that relate to this type of jewellery:
In 19th century Germany, jewellery set with stag’s teeth was incredibly popular. Called Hirschgrandln, the teeth were more often than not hunting trophies brought home and set into silver or jewels. Like most jewellery, Hirschgrandln ran the gamut from fine and expensive to more humble souvenirs.

In addition to small hunting trophies like this silver-mounted pendant, the amulets could have had many functions, but deer’s teeth jewellery was believed to bring good luck in future hunts.

This humble example of Hirschgrandln was possibly made in Schwäbisch Gmünd, a small town in the south of Germany highly regarded for its jewellery production, in particular its silverworks. After the town began producing jewellery and small silver objects in the 14th century, its silversmiths became well known their popular and devotional jewellery, and sold their creations across Europe. A small ring held by Victoria & Albert in London, is another example of the deer’s tooth jewellery produced in Schwäbisch Gmünd.

Though jewellery set with Hirschgrandln is associated primarily with Bavaria, it was also a popular hunting souvenir through the Alpine region, particularly in the 19th century.

The fad was brought to Britain by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. Albert, who was born in Germany, gifted Victoria numerous pieces of tooth set jewellery.

Victoria seemed to appreciate her husband’s gifts, as well as the German style of tooth jewellery, but the trend never quite caught on in England outside of the royal household.

The production of deer’s teeth jewellery seems to have died out at the end of the 19th century.

The tooth itself measures 1” (2.4cm) and weighs 5.3g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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