AGNES Victorian Silver Name Brooch - 19th Century Agnes Name Pin (SOLD)

Agnes is the name picked out in block capital letters on this lovely genuine Victorian Sterling Silver Name Brooch.  With its simple design and oval shape enhanced with a patterned border edge and a little bit of engraved work this is a classic name pin from the 19th Century.  It is in excellent condition and hardly shows signs of its age at all.  This Victorian Agnes Name Brooch has the full hallmark from the Birmingham Assay Office which indicates that is was stamped in the year 1900 making it an antique brooch from the last years of Queen Victoria's reign.  There  is a slightly worn makers mark too - the initials J.R.E.  I cannot give more information as to the name of the maker but I can confirm these maker's marks have appeared on other Victorian sentimental and sweetheart brooches and the date range published for this maker appears to be 1900 - 1919.  this Agnes name brooch measures 4.5cms by 1.25cms and fastens to the reverse with an old fashioned 'c' type clasp to retain the pin.

It is reputed that these name pins were first worn by the servants in England's large country houses. The pins quickly became a popular form of sweetheart brooch for the sentimental Victorians. The popularity of the brooches continued through the Edwardian period into the 1920's and there was a revival of these items during World War 2. Materials used for name brooches include Silver, Gold, base metals and rolled gold wires, sometimes they are set with gems, diamante or paste or marcasite. Names are also engraved and sometimes painted onto natural materials like ivory, bone or Whitby Jet and early plastics like Bakelite, Celluloid, Casein and Lucite. It was also popular to make brooches with the words 'Mother' and 'Baby' ; with initials on or letters which make up a name in the form of a puzzle; with place names upon them or simply with sentiments like 'Best Wishes', 'Mizpah' (an old hebrew prayer which translated means 'may the Lord watch over us whilst we are apart' ) or the words 'Souvenir'.
 

JEWELLERY DETAILS

Designer or Brand: Makers mark 'JRE'

Country of Origin: UK

Condition: Very Good

Decade: 1900s

Era: Antique

Type: Name Brooch

Material: Sterling silver