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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Bronwen, post: 373417, member: 5833&quot;]The clasp is from the earlier part of the 20th century, but also appears to be a replacement, something that is very common, whether because original snapped off or owner wanted something more secure than a basic C clasp.&nbsp; (In my experience, most clasps like this one are not more secure, having a way of opening on their own &amp; letting the pin drop out.)</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128484[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>Some evidence the pin stem has also been altered.&nbsp; Replaced and/or had the bend added professionally to shorten it as well as to raise it to meet the clasp properly.</p><p><br /></p><p>Changes to the findings muddy the age picture.</p><p><br /></p><p>Despite the crimping - maybe the cameo became loose? - as well as I can make out from the photos, the bezel follows the unique contours of the shell.&nbsp; If that is correct, have to conclude mount is original to the cameo.</p><p><br /></p><p>To be brutally blunt, the cameo is not very good, so it would be surprising if the setting is solid gold, but still possible.&nbsp; When gold wasn&#039;t being sold by the molecule, it was used more liberally.&nbsp; Think this would be 9ct, at most.&nbsp; Otherwise gold filled or pinchbeck.&nbsp; No way for us to assess this.</p><p><br /></p><p>So helmet shell cameo of Psyche, turn of the 20th century, is my best shot.&nbsp; <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie100" alt=":writer:" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /><img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie92" alt=":turtle:" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /><img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie49" alt=":happy:" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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