Victorian Sterling Silver Scottish Granite Shield Fob Pendant with Silver Stoat

An absolutely gorgeous antique Victorian Scottish sterling silver fob pendant. In a shield shaped design, with raised ribbon style vacant cartouche to top (where initials could be engraved if desired). The hand cut natural Scottish granite shield is bezel set in its silver frame and has an applique silver stoat to the front. Beautifully designed with triple beading to top to further enhance. The hallmark to back is rubbed with age/cleaning but the sterling lion is clearly decipherable. Measurements: 40mm by 22mm (at widest points). Interestingly, features a stoat shaped decoration. Stoats are an example of mustelids which are small carnivorous mammals that often subsist of rodents, rabbits and other small scale animals although they won't shy away from fighting larger scale animals and predators when cornered. Stoats notably have a large population in Scotland which may explain the origin of this item. Can be worn as a fob on a pocket watch chain or as a pendant.