For any collector of 19th century jewels, one book stands above others as the authoritative text, La Bijouterie Francaise au XIXe siècle by Henri Vever. While it specifically speaks to French jewelry, the depth into design styles and jewelers of the period surpasses all other available texts. Originally a three-volume text in French, it is also available in one volume, translated into English by Katherine Purcell.
Jewelry illustrated in the book sets the standards for the period and remains an exciting moment and satisfying quest. This watch fob appears on page 551 exemplifying the work of the Maison G. Desbazeille. Vever thought highly of this jeweler dedicating several pages to his craft. The house founded by Germain and suceeded by his son Louis specialized in goldsmith work for men, as in this watch fob and later produced engraved rings and medals for women as well.
