Details

COLEM:1931.1885

Colchester Collections

locket, locket

Large, oval locket of a gold colour metal - probably pinchbeck. The front of the locket is engraved all over with a pattern of flourishes. the back is plain. With plain metal loop and ring fixings. Hinges open to reveal to frames with thin glass covers - each just containing cream paper. The inside of each side (under the paper) is crudely engraved XVII.This locket is included in the Mythical Creatures exhibition as part of the dragon's hoard. According to some legends, dragons were known for hoarding treasure and they especially had a love of gold. This originated in early medieval stories. One account from the poem Beowulf describes the theft of a golden cup from a dragon’s hoard. The dragon, in anger at their treasure being stolen, destroyed the nearby town.

Modern

metal, glass

height: 45.00 mm
width: 35.00 mm