How incredible is this antique gold pop up devil charm!? Moving/articulated charms are always such fun pieces and this charm is such a fun one! We love how beautifully the gold is decorated to the outside, even the bottom is engraved. There is a tiny lever to the side which when pushed, springs the horn carved devil inside to pop up and push the gold top off! 
 
We love the Halloween vibes it has but it was likely actually created during the Victorian era as a wearable reminder of temperance, abstinence/self restraint from consuming alcohol. We believe this is why the outside looks a little like a tankard. Such an interesting, wearable piece of history! 
 
The charm is made of 9ct gold, unhallmarked but tested, and the devil inside we believe is carved from bone and has one blue paste eye (the other is now missing). The mechanics inside the charm are likely base metal and the little lever to the outside is base metal. 
 
To make the devil pop up, the lever is pushed to the side and the spring mechanism pushes the devil up which knocks the lid of the charm off. This is connected by a gold chain so stays connected. To close the charm back up, you gently push the devil back down and once fully inside, you can push the little lever back to the side into the hold position. Then the top can be pushed back on. 
 
The charm measures approx 23.8mm tall by approx 12.5mm deep (not including the jum ring) by approx 8.6mm wide and weighs approx 2.2g in total.
 
Condition - The charm is in good antique condition but as with most pieces that are over 100 years old, it does show signs of age and wear. This includes surface wear to the gold and the devil inside. There are some small indents to the gold to the outside and a dark old solder mark where the chain joins the tankard and to the lid. As mentioned above, the devil is missing a blue paste eye. He does sometimes get a little stuck half way when 'popping up' but can be moved manually by pushed the lever. The gold lid pushes on but it doesn't click closed (this is so the devil can push it off) so it can come off when the charm is worn but due to the connecting chain it stays attached. There is a small split to the gold where the lever sits but this currently doesn't alter how the charm works. This is a well loved charm that shows it has already lived quite the life but still has a lot of life left with careful wear and usage. This jump ring is currently soldered closed. Please see photos.
 
*Please note the antique box and chain pictured are not included in the sale but the charm will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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