DATE: Georgian, c.1820

An unusual Georgian Miser's Purse charm in 18k gold. It comprises interlinked gold hoops to form the main body, with a hinged top section that opens to grant access. While there's not enough room inside for actual coins, it's a perfect size to hold a single pill... probably not its original intended use, but still. Incidentally, an archaic approach to make pills more easy to swallow (practised until as recently as the 19th century) was to gild them in gold or silver. This may well have made them easier to take, but would presumably meant they often passed through the digestive tract with no effect. 

STONES 

Pearl

MEASUREMENTS 

2.7 x 1.6cm

WEIGHT 

3.1g

MARKS 

French marks (unclear)

CONDITION 

Very good