Antique Shark Tooth Amulet

A large and striking antique shark tooth amulet, likely German in origin and dating to the 19th century. The natural tooth is substantial in scale and fitted with an early silver cap and suspension loop, allowing it to be worn as a pendant. The silver mount shows old, softened hallmarks that are now largely indistinct, consistent with age and prolonged wear.

From the 17th through the 19th centuries, shark teeth were widely collected across Europe as curiosities and talismans. They were believed to possess apotropaic and medicinal properties, offering protection against poisoning, illness, and misfortune. Such mounted examples were worn both as personal charms and as objects of cabinet curiosity, valued for their exotic origin and symbolic power.

This example retains a pleasingly aged surface with good natural colour to the tooth and honest wear to the silver mount.

Weight: 9.3 grams

Dimensions: approximately 5 x 3 cm

Material: natural shark tooth with silver cap

Condition: good antique condition with age-related wear; hallmarks faded but visible in part