Victorian Double Sided Assyrian Motif Gold Locket

Victorian Double Sided Assyrian Motif Gold Locket

C.1870. A striking and unusual Victorian large oval locket with Assyrian motif. Assyria was a Mesopotamian kingdom, and the region located in the ancient Near East which, under the Neo-Assyrian Empire, reached from Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) through Asia Minor (modern Turkey) and down through Egypt. (*sourced from wikipedia & ancient history encyclopedia) 
This locket is 18k yellow gold, and is deliberately engraved both front and back. The Assyrian winged bull on the front & the image of Ashurbanipal (king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire) hunting on camelback. The locket has a photo compartment with a glass cover inside, and it opens and shuts properly with a good snap. Overall this piece is in great condition with natural patina. 

Total Drop: Approximately 48.3mm or 1.90" (including the bail) 
Width: 30mm. 


*Here is an interesting article from 'The Guardian' about The British Museum Exhibition, 'I am Ashurbanipal, King of the world, King of Assyria'.