Additional information
| Maker | Other |
|---|---|
| Material | Sterling silver |
| Price range | <£1,000 |
| Period | Other |
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A large Scottish agate fern brooch
Not quite my normal thing but I just felt this brooch had the “X factor”. It is a Scottish agate fern brooch set in silver dating to c 1870. The choice and setting of the cool blue grey agates is what gives this piece such appeal. The agate is very like that mined at the so called, and famous ,”Blue Hole of Husan” near Montrose. This was a major source of fine Scottish agates in the late Victorian period.
The brooch does carry a British design mark which unfortunately is rubbed, but certainly dates it prior to 1883. The pin has been (well) repaired, possibly obscuring other marks.
Overall the brooch presents very well and is in very good condition.There is some minor damage visible on close inspection to the the thicker part of the fern’s silver midrib.
The fern is traditionally seen as symbolic of longevity, rebirth, and renewal, which may have been the intended meaning of the design of this brooch.
Price: £975
Maker: Unknown (British)
Designer: Unknown
Date: c 1870
Marks: Rubbed design mark
Material: Sterling Silver, agate
Condition: See description and photos
Size: 7.0 cm long, 3.25 cm max diameter
Weight: 0.6 oz, 17 grams (not silver weight)