Fine example of an amuletic coral 'mano figa' brooch c.1840.
Archeological revival 15 carat gold mount ,the carved fist clasping a snake from which are suspended 3 charms,a fish,a mouse and a Pulcinella.The hand has a tiny bracelet set with a turquoise.
3.25 inches total length.
Coral itself was believed to protect the wearer against the evil eye and was often worn by small children or made into rosaries.Most coral in Europe in the c19th came from the sea around Naples and nearby Torre del Greco.