Antique Perusing (and Purchasing)

Today, I went to the Swoyersville Collectors' Market. There some very interesting things, such as an adorable head mount of a "jackalope," an old glass-front medicine cabinet, pocketwatches, steamer trunks, and an old gas mask.

They also had some Victorian items. More specifically, Victorian mourning items. (I'll bet you can see where this is going.)

There was a mourning bodice, circa 1890, various sorts of jewelry, including hair jewelry. Watch fobs, a bracelet, brooches, and pendants - all Victorian, all mourning, all incorporating hair - were laid out in the display case, just begging for someone (like me) to buy them.

One particular, familiar piece caught my eye, just as it had a few months prior. The seller said that it was one of his favourite pieces. It was a golden locket, slightly larger than a quarter, covered in ornate etchings of vines and swirls. In the center, there was black enamel, with a golden, upside-down torch and a banner that said, "In Memory Of," etched into it. Inside, dark brown hair was woven in a manner akin to a basket-weave.

I can describe it vividly because I am, in fact, wearing it now.

It was priced for $98, which is fair, but I managed to get the price down to $70 just by being. . . erm. . . charming, prattling on about Victorian mourning, and then asking, innocently, "What's your best price on this?"

I did a little research before buying it, as I had my eye on it for quite some time. I found that it can't be earlier than 1850, but can't be later than the 1890's. Even the 1890's are a little late for it, as photography often took the place of hairwork during the later years of the Victorian era, which is a shame.

I think it's even more of a shame that this sort of art is, in this day and age, practiced by so very few. If anyone makes hair items, I'd love to see the pictures of your art!