German
Necklace with Coin Pendant, 1608-1666
Silver, 47.5 x 6.6 cm (18 11/16 x 2 9/16 in.)
This German necklace is a silver rope chain with solid square silver clasps at opposite ends; one clasp for closing the chain, and the other holding a large bronze coin with a double headed eagle coat of arms on the front and an image of the Iron Cross on the back. Attached to this coin are three smaller coins with various Germanic characters on either side. Dangling from the bottom of each coin again are three single triangular pendants of hammered silver, tarnished in appearance with rough looking punched indented rounds across the surface, which bring to mind a bunch of grapes.
Little Salon
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.