Information about Brooch Please

[Leigh P]

Good afternoon,

I was given a brooch by my husband's aunt, which she said had belonged to her great grandmother who was born in London c1836 and came to Australia in the early 1850s.

The brooch is approximately 2cm wide and 1.5cm high - see attached photos. The clasp is a typical hand made C catch and the hinge is a tube hinge.

I would be pleased if anyone has any information on this type of brooch.

Regards,

Leigh P

[Rhododendron]

It's difficult to say exactly what type of brooch it is as I can't make out what is in the centre of it.  But it could be a Mourning Brooch. 

[Leigh P]

Thanks Rhododendron,

A mourning brooch was my thought too. I can't make our what is inside it either.

Leigh

[jaywit]

I think you need an expert to look at it. They will know what metal it is and from it's style what period it was made.

How to find an expert? In England I would suggest a antique auction house, a jeweller who sells antique jewellery, a specialist who sells at antique fairs or has a stand in an antique centre. I don't know what you will find in Australia but I suspect in the large cities there will be an antique jeweller.

[Rhododendron]

It is very likely the deceased's hair which has been formed into a shape. 

[Leigh P]

Thanks Rhododendron and jaywit for your suggestions. I'll follow up on them.

Leigh

[Skoosh]

Looks a bit like a "Moss Agate", Leigh.

Skoosh.

[Leigh P]

Thanks Skoosh, I'll google it and have a look.

Leigh

[PaulStaffs]

The front face looks pretty crude (which is often a good sign!), can't tell what the intaglio is but the pin and back plate are copper, the latter looks like it has been soldered in place and the two holes look like mechanical drill/punch holes. Probably gold-gilt surround but difficult to tell because of coloured reflections. An antiques dealer may or may not help - in my experience 50% of them haven't a clue what they're talking about!

Paul