A sterling silver pig ornament with stylized hand engraved writing along its spine saying ""YE ANCIENT LUCKY PIG"". This charming and humorously made piece is very interesting in the way in which is has been designed. It has taken on the form of a wooden, theatrical style pig, complete with faux joins for the attachment of the legs.
It is really more of an art piece, which leads to the discussion as to whom may have commissioned such a piece. It does not appear to have been something that was mass produced, as only two more have been found.
The significance of the pig in some cultures are very important. They symbolise abundance, wealth and strength. “Schwein gehabt” (meaning “got lucky there!” though literally: “got pig!”) is an oft-used expression in Germany. The simple reason for them being linked with good fortune is that to possess plenty of pigs was a sign of wealth and prosperity in the Middle Ages. In late Middle English þ (or 'thorn') came to be written identically with y, so that ‘the’ could be written ye. This spelling (usually ye) was kept as a convenient abbreviation in handwriting down to the 19th century, and in printers' types during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was never pronounced as ‘ye’ in the past, but this is the pronunciation used today. It is simply an abbreviation for 'the'.
On the underside of the pig's chin is stamped the retailers name; "A. Barrett & Sons 63 & 64 Piccadilly". Andrew Barrett & Sons, born in Ireland in 1819 traded from this luxury retail premises from 1878 to 1910. The business then relocated to 157-158 Piccadilly. They were originally brush makers, and in 1900 expanded into trunk making. By 1910 they were making officers Sam Browne belts, trunks, shoes, boots and gun cases. By 1920 the sons RJ, HA, WE, and HH Barrett were heavily involved and Barretts moved to 9 Old Bond Street. By 1935 they were dealing in curios, antiques, semi-precious stones, ivories and jade. As at 1975/6 they were still at 9 Old Bond St and were still describing themselves as 'brush makers'.
The pig was made in London, in 1902 by silversmith Stuart Clifford and is in excellent totally original condition.
