Impression Dies

This impression die is part of a series by Armand Bargas made in Paris, France in the late 19th century. The word "Mignon" is written along the top right side. "Mignon" in French connotative a person who is pretty and petite, and can be used as a pet name in France the way "cutie" might be used in English.

Late 1800s Jour (Day) by Armand Bargas. Stamped Inside the Top Right of the Edge is "Jour" - Day ~ Stamped Below Jour is Bargas' Signature "ABargas." This is part of a medallion series depicting personifications of the time of day including Jour (Day), Nuit (Night), Aurore (Dawn), and Crepuscule (Dusk).

This 19th century French impression die design depicts a woman with irises in the art nouveau style, Kevin Potter's favorite style.

Late 1800s Nuit (Night) by Armand Bargas. Stamped Inside the Top Right of the Edge is "Nuit" - Darkness ~ Stamped Below is Bargas' Signature "ABargas." From a series of medallions depicting personifications of the times of day: Aurore (Dawn), Jour (Day), Crepuscle (Dusk), and Nuit (Night).

From Janvier Gruson, this design depicts a profile of a woman with a large flower, perhaps a cherry blossom, in the background. It is likely this is a French depiction of a geisha, but little information about the design exists.

Late 1800s Crepuscle (Twilight) by Armand Bargas. Stamped Inside the Top Right of the Edge is "CREPUSCLE" - Twilight ~ Stamped Below Crepuscle is Bargas' Signature "ABargas" Part of a series of medallions depicting personifications of the times of day: Jour (Day), Aurore (Dawn), Crepuscle (Dusk), and Nuit (Night).

Original design by Armand Bargas, Paris, France. This design was part of a four-part series designed by Bargas representing the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.

Personification of the element of air. Original design by Armand Bargas, Paris, France. This design was part of a four-part series designed by Bargas representing the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.

This impression die depicts a flea riding a bicycle and wearing a dandy little top hat! NOTE: The image below depicts the chipped master of the Flea Circus hub, but your impressions will be made with a repaired copy.

Text in Design: Gallæ custos honoris vendix, "Gallia, guardian of honor, the defender. French 1900s.

This locket or compact case comes from Paris, France.

This ring depicts a dragon in the clouds curled around characters (potentially Japanese) and flanked by a phoenix and a butterfly. From Foster & Bailey in Providence, Rhode Island.

7/32" x 1-1/16" (5.5 x 27mm) each. Watch Annie Pennington make a working pair of scissors here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1253577991351417/permalink/7314726141903208/?mibextid=W9rl1R

This ferocious wolf's head is unique in our collection. We've renamed this impression die "Fenrir," after the legendary wolf of Norse religion who is destined to herald the events of Ragnarök.

This circle of intertwining branches comes from Foster & Bailey. Use this design as a stone setting for a large pendant or brooch, or as part of a hair pin! Exterior Measurements: 1-3/8" diameter Interior Measurements: 7/8" at the widest points (between each loop) and 3/4" from loop to loop

From Villemin in Paris, France.

This came from Alling & Company out of Newark, New Jersey.

This medallion was carved by the famous 19th century French artist Marie Alexandre Lucien Coudray in 1893-1899 while staying in Rome. The medallion, which is featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts the myth of Orpheus escaping the underworld without his love, Eurydice. Patinated iron medallion photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A medal depicting someone wearing a sash, a distant castle in the background. The French for "Old Heidelberg" is engraved on the bottom, next to the signature for Armand Bargas, "ABargas." This is the name of a play and operetta from the early 20th century, and it's perhaps related. The play is about Prince Karl of Saxony, who falls in love with an innkeeper's daughter while studying at Heidelberg University. Likely, the figure in the medal is Prince Karl.

This mid-century thick ring band comes from Breuning. It's design is reminiscent of modern art. Design: 2-3/16" x 1/2"

A female knight with windblown hair from 19th century Paris, France. From Villemin.

9/16" diameter

From Janvier Gruson.

This locket or compact case comes from Janvier Gruson.