Sterling purse shape brooch, age?

About 1 1/4" length. Marked sterling and perhaps something else on the clasp, but very worn, and unable to see. Can it be dated by the closure? The closure pulls out on the end, allowing the pin to then come out. The end of the flowers almost feel like some type of ceramic. Thanks for your time.

 

What are the little flowers made of? Enamel? I suppose so if they feel hard.

I'd say the date is immaterial. It's different and someone would like it for the design, not the date of manufacture.

Just call it mid 20th Century, that could cover 30 years either way.

 

Thanks af much appreciated. The flowers are hard, and almost have a rough texture like unglazed porcelain or ceramic.
Your suggestion sounds great, LOL
I have just never seen a closure like this, but that isn't saying much, since I haven't seen a lot of things!

 

I *think* that is called a trombone catch.
Scroll down a bit to see one . . .
http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/JewelChatFindings.html

Although they were patented in the mid - 1800s, they were used well into the 20th century.

 

Well, darn, if they don't look like Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors!

 

Well thank you Messi ! That's a great help. Of course I've never heard of it.
I did some searching after reading your post, and found that it may be indicative of European , primarily French jewelry dating from around 1895-1940's.
It is an odd little thing, isn't it?! Any help with keywords?? Pretty please! I really don't know how to describe it
Lol Bev

 

I am horrible at the whole keyword thingie! LOL

With that hollow center, I do wonder if it was meant to actually hold something.

 

With that hollow center, I do wonder if it was meant to actually hold something.

You could tuck your cigarette into it while you were using both hands to talk to someone.

 

They're still using those clasps on Continental pieces, so it's no indicator of age. It could have been used to hold a pen.

 

Thanks you Messi, Af and evelyb
Interesting evelyb, a pen, I never would've thought of that, but could certainly have been.