A superlative high carat gold, black and white enamel memento mori slide, circa 1660 – 1680. The obverse of the slide depicts a skull and crossbones device surrounded by other symbols of mortality and immortality. An hourglass and an oil lamp symbolise the passage of time, serpents entwined around staffs and the pillars of Hercules represent unbreakable bonds. To reverse the initials MM for memento mori, Herculean knots representing further unbreakable bonds and a forget-me-not within an ouroboros, a serpent devouring its tail, symbol of eternity. The slide measures one inch by 3/4 of an inch and is extremely fine quality and immaculate.