Historically Important Tambourine Charm
A Victorian rolled gold tambourine charm with mother of pearl ‘drum’
The drum is engraved with ‘My Little Tambourine, Rudyard Kipling’
A whimsical delight with an incredible backstory
Why we love it
The inscription is a reference to the Kipling poem ‘The Absent-Minded Beggar’ of 1899 which was set to music by Sir Arthur Sullivan. The song was written as part of The Daily Mail’s effort to raise money for soldiers fighting in the Second Boer War and their families.
The song was a sensation and exhorted its audience to ‘pass the hat for your credit’s sake, and pay-pay-pay!’
Vast numbers of copies of the poem and associated merch were sold to aid the charity and we feel that our little tambourine charm must have been one such item. What an incredible backstory to this wonderful whimsical piece
This is appeal was the first charitable effort of its kind, namely in relation to a war and was an unprecedented success raising over £250,000; which is a lot of spondool now but was even more back then
Kipling was offered, but turned down, a knighthood shortly thereafter cos he was too cool for skool innit?
£250
1 in stock
Additional information
| Piece of jewellery | Charm, Pendant |
|---|---|
| Era | Victorian |
| Jewellery material | 4ct gold, Likely to be rolled gold, Mother of pearl |
| Hallmarks | Niton XRF tests as 4ct which means this is highly likely to be a rolled gold piece, None present |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 17.7mm; Drop including jump ring: 24.3mm; Depth: 5.5mm |
| Weight | 1.9g |
| Condition | Very good antique condition with wear commensurate to age and use, We have added the 9ct jump ring for your convenience |
