This silver name pin has only a partial Birmingham Hallmark ( the Anchor and the letters A & C in triangles which are the maker's mark) but I am fairly sure that it dates from the 1880s -1890s because of the style. The brooch has the name EDITH is uppercase fancy lettering and has lots of embellishments in the form of applied engraved flowers, engraved foliate decoration and applied silver balls. This is typical of high Victorian - very decorative!
It is a nice example of an antique Victorian silver name brooch. The brooch is in very good condition. On the reverse it fastens with an old fashioned 'c' type clasp which appears to be a replacement catch as it is in brass rather than silver. Measuring approximately1.75 inches by .75 of an inch this pin is ready to wear and enjoy!
The Victorians and Edwardians liked these sentimental brooches and pins. The origins of the Name brooch, pin or badge was to 'label' the staff in large country houses. Later name pins were used as love tokens or sweetheart jewellery and were very popular. The growth of machine use in the manufacture of jewelry made these pins affordable. You can find name brooches in Sterling silver, Gold, base metals, metal wires, carved in Whitby Jet, Bone, Ivory and Mother of Pearl and also in enamel finishes. These great pieces of sentimental jewellery make wonderful Christening gifts and are a great collector's item for anyone interested in the Victorian era and the first part of the 20th Century.
