Vintage Portuguese Silver Miniature Purse Pendant, c. 1998

A charming and unusual Portuguese silver purse pendant, beautifully crafted in the form of a miniature handbag.

The pendant is made from solid silver, with the surface carefully textured to imitate the appearance of a finely woven or braided material. The woven effect is created entirely in the silver itself, giving the piece a wonderful tactile quality and attractive play of light across the surface.

The miniature purse has a hinged construction and opens like a tiny locket. Due to its very small size and shallow interior, it is not intended to function as a coin purse; the opening is primarily part of its charming miniature handbag design.

A delicate silver chain handle completes the purse, allowing it to be worn as an unusual and eye-catching pendant.

An especially unusual and collectible piece of Portuguese silver jewellery, combining the appearance of a tiny woven handbag with the craftsmanship of a miniature silver object. A wonderful addition to a collection of vintage silver, miniature jewellery, unusual pendants or Portuguese hallmarked pieces.

Great vintage condition - minor signs of age consistent with previous use. The hinge and opening mechanism are present and functional (please refer to photos).

Hallmarks - the pendant bears a Portuguese silver purity hallmark depicting a dove's head turned to the right, with "830" beneath it. This hallmark was used in Portugal between 1998 and 2015. The 830 mark indicates silver of 830/1000 fineness, corresponding to 83% pure silver.

Dimensions:
Size - 3,4cm x 3cm
Weight - 8,87gr