Antique French gold and silver hat pin, or long stick pin brooch. The top is in the form of a hot air balloon entirely crafted in 18K yellow gold set with natural emeralds and diamonds. The basket portion of the hot air balloon is composed of 6 faceted diamond chips, for an approximate total weight of .12pts. The balloon part is decorated with 9 faceted diamond chips / rose cuts (for a total approximate weight of .18pts), and 5 natural green emerald chips (for a total approximate weight of .10pts). The balloon is hallmarked with the French control mark indicating 18k gold content, in the form of an eagle's head in use in France from 1838. The pin is hallmarked with the head of the wild boar, this mark indicates a silver content of a minimum .800/1000 silver. Also bearing a maker's mark of initials D&O for silversmiths and goldsmiths Victor D'or & Lucien Ortion, active 1892 to 1895. In overall good antique condition, there is some surface marks near the top of the air balloon commensurate with age and use. Measures 6 3/4" total length. The gold hot air balloon measures 1" from top to bottom. Weighs 5.3 grams total gold and silver weight.