Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A small group of jewellery including a pair of piquéwork tortoiseshell earrings and a FUMSUP good luck charm, the tortoiseshell earrings with elongated drops beneath spherical surmounts, with inlaid piquéwork, to later hook fittings, the FUMSUP charm with wooden head and white metal body, together with a set of five mother o’ pearl and gilt waistcoat buttons, a further similar button and two collar studs and a pair of white metal filigreework drop earpendants. £120-160

The FUMSUP charm was a good luck charm popular through the end of the late 19th century, reaching a peak during WWI. It is modelled as an infant with ‘FUMSUP’ across its torso. Its thumbs are up and its arms move to touch its wooden head - ‘touching wood’ - both of which are symbols of good luck. It has wings at its ankles to speed the good luck onwards.

Please note that tortoiseshell is covered by CITIES legislation and may be subject to import/export and trade restrictions.