Antique Silver Salamander Ornament by Robert Stewart

An expertly modelled silver salamander by the silversmith Robert Stewart from the Victorian period (1898). This characterful piece combines the Victorian obsessions with both the natural world and ornamental silverware. Life like models of animals were avidly collected, and used to define Victorian interiors. The salamander has featured in myth and legend since ancient times with this shy amphibian being regarded as a poisonous fire quenching beast. Bejewelled salamanders were worn to symbolise balance, immortality and passion. A beautiful emerald set salamander brooch was part of the 17th-century hoard of jewellery found in Cheapside in 1912.