Featured Thoughts on age of this old cut steel brooch?

Hi everyone,

I have this very old cut steel brooch that I would like some thoughts on. I know cut steel brooches tended to be made in the 19th century but the earliest were made in the 18th century, so I am wondering thoughts on the age of this piece? The back of the brooch is like no other brooch I have, making me think it has some age to it.

I am also wondering about the rhinestones on it, do you think these have been added at a later date?

I am also noticing a small amount of what looks like rust in one area of the steel, is there anything I can do to clean this, or is it best to leave it in case it has been there for some time?

TYIA for any help you can give.

 

19th century, the rhinestones are later additions, glued in places where cut steel pieces called from
To get rid of the rust, scrape it with a needle, then use a brass bristles brush (rub firmly, brass is soft enough to not damage these metal pieces!) Then use a multi faces nail gel file-buffer block to polish the cut steel
Do not wet it!!!

 

Older, and how. Late eighteenth into early nineteenth. Those rhinestones are odd. But I think original.

I’d clean the rust very gently with a cotton bud. But Kyra is an expert.

 

It is meant to be worn with the round side up, the open side down, as you can see from the way the pin is placed.

Some people believe that your luck runs out when the open side faces down, but that is a more recent superstition.
Horseshoe shapes are ancient protective symbols of the Goddess, representing the womb. So open side down should be auspicious, the Goddess is probably pleased that she doesn't have to stand on her head.

 

Thank you so much everyone for all the responses. I will need to get the right brush for it but then I will give it a go to clean it and hopefully get it looking better.

I never knew that about the horseshoe.....looks like I have alway been displaying them the wrong way up!!

 

Some makers don't know either.
If it is a brooch you can check the orientation of the pin to see what their intention was. When the brooch is face down, the hinge should be on the right, the clasp on the left.

There are actually many remnants of ancient beliefs in the things we use and in the world around us. But we have lost the connection with their (and our) roots.

 

Thank you @Any Jewelry I will make sure to wear it the proper way from now on!

 

The Goddess will be very happy.