Recycled ‘out of circulation’ two shilling ‘two bob bit’ coin
This sweet little crafty bird, ‘Little Bobby’ has been crafted and transformed from old British two shilling ‘two bob bit’ coin. When Searching through the enormous coin collection i have gathered over the years there are coins which just scream out at me, the old British ‘Two Bob Bit’ is certainly one of them. These are the coins which have intesting ‘text’ and texture or an interesting metal composition. Once the coin is selected i plan the design, scribe it out, engrave the design and cut it out all by hand with traditional tools. From here i hand carve intricate details and give the pendant texture and form.
It may be worth noting that all two-shilling coins with dates pre 1920 are sterling silver. The two-shillings with dates from 1920 – 1946 are nice silver, just not sterling. These are ideal if you have a nickel allergy. If you have a nickel allergy its probably best to avoid wearing the ‘two-bob-bits’ dated 1947 – 1970 as these may irritate you.
The specific art of looking at coins and turning them into lovely unusual jewellery began during the terrible world wars. Some artisan soilders would take these coins and transform them into rings and brooches for loved ones and to remind them of loved ones back ‘at home’. The resourcefulness of these soilders is admirable and inspiring. This resourceful intent has now resurfaced in my work as a silversmith with green ethics looking to create original and unusual wearable pieces of art. Trench art to recycled art.
Size : diameter 28.5 mm
sam.molloy –
Having spoken to Les on the phone about this pendant I made a trip to Cambridge to see him and couldn’t be happier with my new necklace. Les was extremely helpful and it was lovely to be able to speak to him in person about how he makes these pieces.
Little Bobby is even more gorgeous in real life and something I will treasure forever.