The Pasfield Jewel
Pendant
late 16th century (made)
late 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
The gold enamelled jewel is in the form of a pistol. In profile, the ball-shaped butt (the part next to the suspension ring) and turned muzzle (the open end of the barrel) copies that of pistols made around 1590. There are three settings for jewels, of which one is empty and two are mounted with emeralds. Hinged into the stock (the support that holds the barrel) are three toilet instruments: a hooked tongue scraper, a straight spike for picking teeth and a small spoon for removing ear wax.
People
The first mention of the jewel is in the will of George Pasfield, dated 8 November 1660. Pasfield was a merchant from Rotherhithe in south London (then in Surrey), who is known to have traded extensively with Barbados from about 1647 onwards. He commanded his own ship, the Barbados Merchant, and had a share in a plantation in Barbados.
Condition
The jewel is dramatic, beautiful and rare, but it suffered badly in a house fire in 1817. The goldwork survived well, but the enamels, which had a lower melting point, were heavily damaged and discoloured.
The gold enamelled jewel is in the form of a pistol. In profile, the ball-shaped butt (the part next to the suspension ring) and turned muzzle (the open end of the barrel) copies that of pistols made around 1590. There are three settings for jewels, of which one is empty and two are mounted with emeralds. Hinged into the stock (the support that holds the barrel) are three toilet instruments: a hooked tongue scraper, a straight spike for picking teeth and a small spoon for removing ear wax.
People
The first mention of the jewel is in the will of George Pasfield, dated 8 November 1660. Pasfield was a merchant from Rotherhithe in south London (then in Surrey), who is known to have traded extensively with Barbados from about 1647 onwards. He commanded his own ship, the Barbados Merchant, and had a share in a plantation in Barbados.
Condition
The jewel is dramatic, beautiful and rare, but it suffered badly in a house fire in 1817. The goldwork survived well, but the enamels, which had a lower melting point, were heavily damaged and discoloured.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Pasfield Jewel (popular title) |
| Materials and techniques | Enamelled gold, set with table-cut emeralds |
| Brief description | Pendant in the form of wheel lock pistol, English, late 16th century |
| Physical description | Pendant, in the shape of a wheel-lock pistol, forming a whistle, with toilet implements. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
This, like the gold whistle pendant alongside, is an example of an expensive jewel worn by courtiers. In 1660 it was mentioned in the will of the wealthy merchant George Pasfield who traded with Barbados and the West Indies. It was damaged by fire in 1817.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | A family jewel of the Pasfields of Rotherhide and Barbados; it was damaged in a fire in 1817. Made in England. Purchased from the descendants of George Pasfield. |
| Production | Probably 1590-1600 |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Object Type The gold enamelled jewel is in the form of a pistol. In profile, the ball-shaped butt (the part next to the suspension ring) and turned muzzle (the open end of the barrel) copies that of pistols made around 1590. There are three settings for jewels, of which one is empty and two are mounted with emeralds. Hinged into the stock (the support that holds the barrel) are three toilet instruments: a hooked tongue scraper, a straight spike for picking teeth and a small spoon for removing ear wax. People The first mention of the jewel is in the will of George Pasfield, dated 8 November 1660. Pasfield was a merchant from Rotherhithe in south London (then in Surrey), who is known to have traded extensively with Barbados from about 1647 onwards. He commanded his own ship, the Barbados Merchant, and had a share in a plantation in Barbados. Condition The jewel is dramatic, beautiful and rare, but it suffered badly in a house fire in 1817. The goldwork survived well, but the enamels, which had a lower melting point, were heavily damaged and discoloured. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.160-1922 |
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| Record created | March 14, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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