The jewelers during the last decades of the 19th century shifted their treatment of natural motifs from a realistic representation to a more imaginative and interpretative perspective.

Using myth and fantasy as inspiration, motifs such as dragons and griffins were often the basis for design.

In 14k gold, this substantial and grand fob seal pendant offers us a saga in miniature. Two opposing dragons, their tails curled and their wings overlapping, form a shape that harmonizes with the open areas of fitting above. Each head faces outward replete with minute features including ribbed backs, textured scales, eyes, tongues, and fangs. Their claws rest up on the gold convex top.

Above these two, two dolphins meet at the mouth, their bodies seamlessly joining one to another.

The base or seal has been hand engraved with a majestic eagle, wings outstretched. Beneath this, the initials of W.F.E. are denoted in old English lettering.

Clearly, this fob hails from the Art Nouveau movement that includes the Beaux Arts or Neo-Renaissance movements.