This figural pin was made in the 1950s. It's modeled after the sherry-sipping mice of Jerez, Spain. Ever heard of them?

Jerez, Spain is famous for its excellent sherry. About 100 years ago some Jerez sherry brewers came up with a novel way to keep mice from gnawing at valuable barrels of fermenting sherry. The brewers built a small ladder that they leaned against a glass of sherry. The mice figured out how to climb the ladder and it seems they had a taste for the sherry! The routine continues to this day.

The 1 3/4-inch, 18k bicolor gold pin has ruby eyes and is for sale for $4,400. Photo is courtesy of Sue Brown, SueBrownAntiqueRings.com.

Find more jewelry prices here and in our newest Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2011.

Ran on January 24, 2010