Sterling Silver - c. 1800's Antique Tiki Pin with Palm Leaf Made of Sterling Silver; Tiki of Iridescent Mother of Pearl Carved; Marked STER SIL with Early Tube Hinge

c. 1800's  Carved Tiki attached to a sterling silver pin in the shape of a palm leaf with serrated edge.  .  The fronds have been engraved  on the serrated solid shaped palm leaf.  It has an example of a early tube hinge. It is marked STER SIL, an early hallmark found on items from 1780-1820's. The mother of pearl Tiki has maintained its iridescent blue and greens which reflect its beautiful colors when held in different positions. It has been tightly secured to the leaf with two grommets. It still retains it's handle which protrudes out at the end.  I found this little treasure at a local antique shop where they were selling it as a pin with a monogram KB.  It does look like a KB if pin is worn with its tips straight up and down, but that not how you wear it.  This little treasure measures 1 5/8" x 5/8" . 

Below is a closeup of early tube hinge

Below is the hallmark showing sterling silver spelled STER SILV