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c1900-1930? - Placer Native Gold Men's Tie Clasp

Currency:USD Category:Jewelry Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,250.00 - 1,750.00 USD
c1900-1930? - Placer Native Gold Men's Tie Clasp
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Possibly made for a mine owner or superintendant, its motif depicts gold smelting and is very well made, although not jeweler hallmarked. The tie clasp is made of a horizontal digging bar from which hang six mining related charms. There are oblong pans on both sides of the central motif which contain a shovel, a smaller pan and hook and a large pan with two natural nuggets. The pan that holds the nuggets is not a panning pan, but another type of pan, possibly for smelting. The nuggets are the exact same color as the clasp itself, indicating the clasp may possibly be made from smelted placer unrefined gold. If so, the content may be even greater than 18 karat. The clasp weighs exactly one half ounce. It tests 18 karat 15.5 grams. This unique wearable tie clasp has great eye appeal and is worthy of the finest mining collector.