HELENA Victorian Silver Name Brooch Hallmarked Chester 1899

With large bold fancy capital letters clearly spelling the name 'HELENA' this is a classic Victorian Name Pin.  Made in Birmingham but assayed in Chester in 1899 it dates from the end of the Victorian period.  There are clear maker’s marks  “J&RG” for the workshops of Joseph and Richard Griffin of Hilton Street Birmingham.  The brooch has a pleasing shape and is decorated around the borders with engraved work.  Measuring 4.5cm in length the silver name brooch is just 1.5cm at its widest point.   This brooch is in very good condition. Fastening with simple ‘C’ type clasp this brooch is ready for wear.  What a lovely gift it would be for Helena.  Or you could add it to a collection of Victorian Name Brooches.

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 'J &RG’ 

Country of Origin: UK - Birmingham assayed in Chester

Condition: Very Good

Decade: 1890s

Era: Antique Victorian

Type:  Name Brooch - Helena

Hallmarked: 1899

Material: Sterling silver