Every Saturday I'll post an obscure image of an unusual silver item; see if you can tell what it is…
This week's object may allude to a tropical, summer feeling…
Think you know what it is? Continue reading to find out…
Butter shells were being made from the early 18th century and are still being made today. Scallop shells have symbolic meaning, being the traditional emblem of St. James. The legend goes that St James saved the life of a drowning knight and when the knight emerged from the sea he was covered in shells. Today the french still call the scallop 'coquille st. jacques', which translates as 'shell of St. James'.
The scallop shell was popular with medieval pilgrims who would carry them on pilgrimage and upon presenting themselves in churches and abbeys etc. could expect to receive a shell full of food or drink.
Winston Churchill and the Spencer family (Princess Diana) both included a shell in their coat of arms and today both Prince William and Prince Harry have the symbol included in their personal coat of arms.
Click here to view this handsome piece on our website.
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