Featured Victorian wreath brooch

I bought a small joblot of jewellery from Facebook MP (bored over the holiday) because I could see the long pin on this brooch poking out from the pile of modern plastic necklaces. As it was one of my longer shots, I think the gamble probably came off but what have I got?
It is very intricate and feels like it’s made of paste type china?. Some damage to it but unbelievable it’s in as good condition as it is as it was loose in a pile of jewellery and the box was crushed (go Yodel )
I don’t know how the roses have been created,they have so many layers!
Also, how do I clean this?. I think soaking will be necessary as no way I’ll get into the crevices with a brush.
Thanks for looking

 

Thanks INH
Wow, that’s very similar!. Do you think those really are the finger prints of the maker as mine has them too?
I think for once mine is nicer though as the roses are so delicate.
I’ve just had a look and can’t see many (any)other examples.

 

I'd have a go with an ultrasound cleaner if you have one. I've also used a can of compressed air before now. Vinegar won't harm it.

 

That’s genius.
I’ll soak it and see how effective that is first.
Can it be dated by the pin OBB?
Thankyou

 

I'd have said late 19th into early 20th. Compressed air needs care, but it can be very effective.

 

I like yours better too, and they are fingerprints, made before firing, when the petals were formed and assembled - I've even had Wedgwood jasperware with the occasional faint fingerprint from when the relief elements were applied...

~Cheryl

 

I really like that the person who made it has ‘signed’ it!.

 

Forgot to ask if it’s likely British?

 

Yes, those pads on which the clasp and hinged are placed are a fairly late invention. Can't remember the date, I'll see if I can find it in my notes.
K, I haven't forgotten about the Dutch marks. I was tweaking the photos only yesterday. My world turns very slowly.

 

Thankyou

 

I have Doulton Lambeth pots with finger prints. I love that.

 

Very pretty ❤️

 

Clean happy brooch

 

Wow!!! How did you end up cleaning it. Very pretty

 

Oh, nice job.

 

Stunning difference.

 

Beautiful!

 

I soaked it in warm water and dish washing soap and gave it a scrub with a baby toothbrush that did precisely zilch
I then soaked it in white vinegar which did improve it but still looked grey and still full of dirt in the crevices.
I’m not sure I should divulge what I did as I went a bit off piste and the wise ones may faint in horror. I figured that if it’s porcelain then dilute clear bleach was worth a shot. It doesn’t hurt toilet pans and let’s face it it was unwearable as it was. Soaked for 30 mins.........Tada!!!!
Then another wash with washing up soap.