Georgian Neoclassical hardstone cameo stick pin of Constantine

Code: 11145

This is a fabulous hardstone cameo stick pin, dating to the early 19th century. The pin is made from 18k gold (tested but not marked). It is set with an onyx cameo, sculpted with a 3/4 bust of a male head - likely a rendering of the head of Constantine the Great (inspired by the Colossus of Constantine discovered in 1486). The style of the hair and lack of a laurel wreath would suggest this. The gem is nicely cut and polished, it could be older than the early 19th century, certainly 18th or even a Roman original?

OBJECT: Cameo stick pin

CULTURE: Classical Revival

DATE: early 19th century A.D. or older

MATERIAL:  Onyx & 18k Gold

SIZE: 71.31mm x 13.31mm x 11.56mm ( cameo 19mm x 12mm x 7mm)

WEIGHT: 4.21 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. private collection, Gloucestershire.