Guardian Necklace Dragon Medallion, Sterling Silver Protector Necklace, French Military, Antique Victorian Button Jewelry

This feathery, serpentine dragon is more elegant than fearsome.

The dragon on the front has its own long history as a symbol. Across cultures and centuries it has represented power, wisdom, and strength. It's a guardian figure of material things as well as knowledge and intellect. The French military chose it deliberately, because a dragon on a soldier's uniform says something about how that soldier was meant to see himself: as a protector, a keeper, a force to be reckoned with.

Initially made to be worn by soldiers, the original button carries two back marks: a flaming bomb and an anchor. In French military tradition, the flaming bomb is the insignia of the artillery. The anchor belongs to the navy. Together they date this button's design and use to between 1842 and 1902, a period that spans the Franco-Prussian War, the height of French colonial expansion, and the years leading into the First World War. Whoever wore this button originally wore it in service. The marks are still on the back of this pendant, exactly where they were struck.

Cast in sterling silver, hallmarked Blue Piranha and stamped .925. The pendant measures 1¼ inches (3.2 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, slightly larger than a U.S. quarter. Weight is 14 grams.

Each pendant is available without a chain. If you'd like to add one, I offer several lengths and styles, please choose from the options at checkout. Every chain comes with a 2-inch extender so you can vary the length.

Your purchase arrives gift boxed, presented in a soft pouch with a story card.

Good for: a gift for the lover of French or military artifacts. A birthday for the person who collects objects with a past. A meaningful gift for someone who sees themselves as a protector. Self-purchase for the woman or man who wants to wear something with weight to it, literally and otherwise.

Questions? Please message me. I'm happy to help.