Puckering's Antiques

Description

A charming little desk or pocket compass, set into the attractive Cornish (S.W. England) polished Serpentine stone.

This attractive stone was created millions of years ago when peridotite, a rock rich in iron and magnesium, was thrust upwards from beneath the earth’s crust. The peridotite was transformed into serpentinite through the geological process of serpentinization (a form of metamorphism involving heated seawater) far below the Rheic Ocean, in the area that is now Cornwall.

The serpentine industry began to develop, and was championed by Prince Albert after he was shown some serpentine artefacts during a trip ashore from a cruise around the Cornish coast. He was impressed by the quality of the stone and the discovery of an English ’marble’ of which he was previously unaware. Serpentine pieces became very popular as a result of the royal interest, and small workshops became well established in the area surrounding Kynance.

Excellent working condition, measuring 1 7/8" in diameter. Dating to the late Victorian era, around 1890

Item ID 36064

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