17th Century Dolphins Kissing Key Pendant pique surrounded by a diamond star

surrounded by a diamond star burst

and dates from the 1860s

spelling out the message

With clear London hallmarks for 18k gold

biceps flexed and legs crossed

17th Century Dolphins Kissing Key Pendant pique surrounded by a diamond starDATE: 17th Century An original 17th century iron key with the most wonderfully ornamented head: two dolphins kissing. The antique key dealer I bought this from informed me that it's French, the part I just referred to as "head" is actually called the "bow", and that it's previously been cleaned (with evidence of the older rust patina) still on show at the collar. I've been looking out for one of these with some sort of interesting unusual symbolism