Antique Bronze Marble BABY HAND Paperweight Statue CHILD Victorian Momento Mori

This piece is 2.25 lbs yet only 3.25x5.25 its dense! This was an incredibly well made, high quality, finished piece cast from a real child's molded hand.

These were made as memento mori for children that died. The cost to have this made would be prohibitive for most of the population now... And even more so then..

This was commissioned by a very wealthy family. It is in stunning condition, it has never been dropped or mishandled in its long life, no damage, no scratches, no repairs and it's never been polished! So it has a perfect natural handled patina. The marble is a solid piece that is cut in a 2 stepped rectangle.

The top step has a thick decorative bronze "frame" that fits it perfectly. This frame does come off, but it's held tight. The bottom has a single brass screw going through the baseplate, marble and into the hand. It was taken apart in hopes there would be a makers mark or a note tucked inside.

Sadly there is not a single mark anywhere on this... It was lightly cleaned and re-assembled. I've had this for years and I've never seen another, I've not been able to find one quite like it.

Nothing comes close in quality or style. This is a special item. Photos are of all angles and show measurements.

It's even more lovely in person and feels like you're holding the memory of someone from another time in the human story. Pre internet, pre home electricity!

A world from not so long ago, yet worlds apart.