18 carat gold French owl brooch c.1860.
Wonderfully modelled owl with outstretched wings, three poppy heads clutched in his claws,symbols of sleep.
(The opium extracted from poppies being a sedative).
Cabochon ruby eyes.
French makers mark on pin.
In Greek mythology the owl accompanied and represented Athena,Goddess of Wisdom and later became a symbol of knowledge throughout the Western World.
Wingspan 2 inches.