Bespoke Vintage UK

Memento Mori Slide

£0.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

A very rare 17th Century Memento Mori slide with later brooch attachment (this attachment can be easily removed). Memento Mori slides were designed to be worn on ribbons either at the neck or on the wrist. They served as an ever present reminder of the wearer’s mortality. This piece of mourning jewellery made in solid gold with enamels, some of which have become lose over the years, contains a full skeleton holding a bone and hour glass, with remnants of enamel tongues of fire around the outside edge.

The gold casing has applied enamels, therefore the little blue pieces you see behind the glass will be little pieces of blue enamel that have become detached from the inside of the gold sidewall that supports the glass. The outside sidewall also has similar enamelling (see photos) This is extremely difficult to photograph due to its size, don't forget these pictures are greatly magnified as the piece is only 20mm X 12mm and weights 8.3 grams

"Memento mori" translated from Latin means - “Remember you must die.” The message spurred this style of jewellery, dating as far back as the 16th century. Memento mori jewellery being designed to remind wearers of their mortality.

This is a rare and early piece dating from around Circa 1680's

Shipping for UK Mainland - for Highlands & Islands please contact us for a quote:

This varies from £5.95 to £24.95 for large parcels. With furniture/large items, man and van up to £69.95. Your personal shipping price will be quoted during checkout.

If you are outside the UK Mainland and wish to make a purchase, please get in touch for details.

** PLEASE NOTE **

As a retailer, Bespoke Vintage UK is unable to offer price reductions in the form of trade or wholesale discounts unless in one of our special promotions.

Additional information:

As we deal in original antique and vintage items, it is worth noting that this object has been pre-loved and will have signs of use, wear and tear. Wherever possible we will always list the condition of the item, but it should be noted that these are not new. We feel this adds patina and creates the beauty of the object. If you have any doubts or questions, PLEASE contact us BEFORE purchasing the item. We also reserve the right to remove or refuse any sale, at which time a full refund would be issued. Using this website to make a purchase means you accept our terms, policies, and conditions of sale.