Antique Victorian Eros Cameo Swivel Pin With Hair

A rare cameo pin with a carved shell cameo front with Eros (cupid) and a stag.  The pin swivels to reveal a covered hair compartment with light brown hair in a plaited weave pattern.  The wearer could spin the center of the brooch to show either side.  The brooch is gold filled with a tube hinge and c-clasp.  The outside of the pin was created from interwoven tubes decorated with hand chased flowers.  There is also a loop at the top so the pin could be worn as a pendant.  A jeweler should be able to grant you access to the sealed compartment should you wish to make any changes as well.

Many Victorian jewelry pieces containing hairwork were for mourning a loved one.  Since this pin features Cupid, it is quite possible that this was a sweetheart or sentimental piece and not for mourning.  

Condition:  This pin does have some condition issues and has been priced down accordingly.  There is plating loss on numerous places and some of the chasing has been worn away.  One of the tube caps on the reverse is missing and there is some soiling or water seepage around the rim of the glass.  A small crack can be seen at the top of the cameo but it does not really detract.  There is a slight bend to the pinstem but the pin as well as the swivel work well.  All parts appear to be original.  Please see photos.