Gold and ivory mourning pin Probably America, possibly Boston,...

Gold and ivory mourning pin

Probably America, possibly Boston, MA, dated 1794

Of marquise form and painted en grisaille, depicting male mourner weeping beside obelisk raised on plinth, the obelisk inscribed, "FI-/ LIAL/ PI-/ ETY," the plinth inscribed, "S.M. / SH. BARKER/ Obi/ July 1794," weeping willow tree above surmounted by inscription, "WEEP NOT FOR ME, BUT FOR YOURSELF," the reverse fitted with pin, seemingly unmarked.

2 1/8 in. x 1 1/2 in. (overall)

PROVENANCE:

The Collection of Irvin & Anita Schorsch.
Sotheby's New York, Important American Furniture, Folk Art, Folk Paintings and Silver, October 24, 1987, Sale 5622, Lot 186.

The depiction of a male mourner is considered less common than that of the more conventional female mourner.