Fortnightly Auctions Of Antiques, Collectables, General Furniture and Effects. New Lots Added Daily.
Sold for: £75
A collection of vintage and antique brooches and pins in various materials including cameo and micro-mosaic examples. The assortment comprises pieces in gold-tone, silver-tone, and white metal finishes, featuring a range of decorative techniques such as enamelling, damascene work, and shell carving. Notable items include a large shell cameo depicting the Three Graces within a gold-tone openwork frame, a stylised kiwi bird featuring abalone shell inlay, and a black and gold damascene fan brooch depicting a traditional scenic motif. Floral designs are well-represented by multiple micro-mosaic ovals and delicate cold-paste porcelain flower clusters.
The collection further includes pieces set with natural and imitation materials such as possibly amber, blue lace agate, mother-of-pearl, and faceted paste stones in various colours. A nautical style crest features a crown and anchor motif in blue and white enamel, alongside a red enameled dragonfly and a silver-tone lizard. Several bar brooches are present, including one with a central amber-coloured cabochon and another with geometric green and blue enamel. While several pieces appear to have marks to the reverse, these are not clearly legible as specific makers’ names. One small circular pin features a white adhesive label reading 38.
Condition report:
The collection is in good vintage condition overall. Minor surface wear, scratches, and tarnishing are visible across the metal settings (photo 1). Possible minor chipping is noted on the delicate petals of one porcelain floral cluster located at the top left of the group (photo 1). The micro-mosaic and damascene pieces appear largely intact, though there is light rubbing to the gold-toned inlay on the fan-shaped brooch (photo 3). The pin mechanisms appear functional, with some age-related stiffness and oxidation consistent with the materials used.
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