Alpine Deer Tooth Amulet

A hunter's amulet from the Alps: a single red deer canine, capped in silver and hung from a hand-twisted serpentine bail, circa 1800.

In Bavaria and Austria, the upper canine teeth of the red deer stag were known as Grandln. Each stag has only two, so they were prized as proof of a successful hunt. They were worn mounted in silver or gold, either alone or hung from the charivari: the silver chain worn with traditional Alpine dress and laden with coins, horn, claws, saints' medals and other small trophies. Probably descended from the watch chain, the charivari was both ornament and talisman, believed to bring luck in the hunt and protection from harm. Its charms were traditionally earned rather than bought, and many passed down within a single family.

Here the tooth is held in a tapering silver cap with a hand-cut, scalloped lower edge. It hangs from a small loop and an unusual S-scroll bail of round wire, which gives the piece an easy, sculptural movement. The tooth has the creamy ivory tone and warm, earthy staining that collectors prize; a darker, mellower Grandl was traditionally the more valued.

Light and compact, it wears beautifully on a fine chain. It suits anyone drawn to hunting jewellery, folk amulets or Alpine dress.

Details: Late 18th to early 19th century; Bavaria or Austria; red deer canine and silver; 2.6g; 2 x 1cm excluding bail; no gemmological report.

Condition: Good antique condition. Surface wear to the cap, natural staining to the tooth and traces of old mounting compound at the rim. The bail ends are open.