BIG & RARE FRENCH GILDED BRONZE LETTER OPENER, FLY ON A LEAF, ANTIQUE TALISMAN

Description: Welcome to my store. I am offering a part of the heritage of my family and other relatives, or even close ones, and there are many objects that have been in the same hands for several years. No doubt when you receive this good you will enjoy it as much as others did in the past. --------------------------------------------------------- A BEAUTIFUL BIG, RARE & ANTIQUE FRENCH GILDED BRONZE LETTER OPENER, with LEAF & BRANCH SHAPE and decorated with a FLY. This letter opener is a symbol of spiritual humility, of preservation and persistence, as well as a good luck charm or talisman against the evil. Good! Circa 1900. Ideal gift for special occasions or collectors. No original case. It is handmade in Bronze & Brass, with the shape of a branch with leaf, gold plated in the obverse (partial), with a fly perched. It shows some minimal wear, but on the obverse it is expressly done to give the piece a leaf-like relief. The fly is a symbol of perseverance and persistence. It never seems to give up or leave and will always find a way to survive, making the best of any situation it finds itself in. The fly thrives in the most hostile of environments, managing to reproduce and feed in places that most other creatures could not, such is its determination to survive. These are all positive traits of motivation, dedication, triumph over adversity, perseverance and persistence that we all seek in one way or another in our daily lives. In Egypt, the fly, or Aff as it was known, was used as a talisman or amulet and had a distinctive V shape, which emphasized the insect's head and wings. Fly amulets have been found in Egypt made of gold, silver, bone, lapis lazuli, faience, carnelian and amethyst. Interestingly, the ancient Romans and Greeks called the god Jupiter the “driver of flies” as they believed he could drive away flies. Two ancient artifacts bearing the image of Jupiter relate him to dominion over flies. The first is an ancient composition of Jupiter’s face with the body of a fly and the second is a gemstone with Jupiter’s head in the center and two flies below, indicating his rule over them. And closer in time, we all know that the Victorians were fascinated by all things death and "memento mori". In the 19th century, the fly had enormous symbolic meaning as it was associated with representing human mortality and, by extension, spiritual humility. The Victorians also adopted the ancient belief that flies were a talisman against evil, and often smothered fly brooches with symbolic gemstones such as diamonds (strength and courage), topaz (increase, clarity, and manifestation), pearls (self-care, nourishment, and healing), and sapphire (honesty, purity, and trust) to create complex meanings and symbolism. Measurement: Length: 13.8" (35 cm) Width (max): 1.4" (3.5 cm)Weight: 6.7 oz (190 g) Please check all the information, including the Seller Notes Field and all the photos available. IMPORTANT: If you buy anything else, please ask for shipping consolidation. Most of my items are added free of charge to the shipping cost of your first selection. Your questions in this or any other matter are welcome. Regarding the offer, please read this information carefully: The approved return refund will be limited to the sale price of the item at maximum. Shipping costs, insurance, import fees, tariffs or related costs outside of the sales price are the responsibility of the buyer. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any inquiry about them. Shipments are delivered in 3 to 7 business days. Thank you for the preference and trust! Ref. #1861

Price: 124.9 USD

Location: Miami, Florida

End Time: 2025-02-03T21:54:50.000Z

Shipping Cost: 12.5 USD