Nacre brooch, gold. Does E stand for electroplated?

Discussion in 'Jewelry' started by RachelW, Jan 11, 2024.

  1. RachelW

    RachelW Well-Known Member

    I broke my no buying until February rule and purchased three lots, so expect some posts next week. :hilarious:

    Until then, just spotted this brooch on eBay. It's listed as nacre 19th century, but nothing else. It's clearly marked on the back, but I'm guessing it's plated? Does E stand for electroplated or something?

    Thanks all!
    imresizer-1704995015995.jpg imresizer-1704995098789.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

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  2. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    Gold Filled. Assuming based on the GF at the 6 o'clock position.
     
  3. RachelW

    RachelW Well-Known Member

    oh that's an F! I was thinking it was an E haha. Thanks!
     
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  4. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    The scrimshaw looks like it is done on ivory, not MOP.
     
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  5. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Whole mark is probably 1-20-12K GF.
     
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  6. RachelW

    RachelW Well-Known Member

    Right? That's what I was thinking. I didn't think it was iridescent enough.
     
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  7. bluumz

    bluumz Quite Busy

    Agree with gold-filled.
    I see:
    (triangle) 1-20 12K GF
    The 1-20 is usually written 1/20.
    This means that 1/20 of the metal weight of the item consists of 12K Gold.

    (EDIT: Sniped by Bronwen!)
     
  8. RachelW

    RachelW Well-Known Member

    Fantastic, thanks for the breakdown! Very helpful all of you.
     
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  9. bluumz

    bluumz Quite Busy

    What points to that? It actually looks like some kind of plastic to me. :confused:
     
  10. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    The hinge & clasp do not appear to be replacements & are from well into the 20th century. Suppose the little scrimshaw plaque itself could be earlier, but 19th century nacre is seller ignorance or a way to get it sold.
     
  11. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Could just be my aged eyes, but, especially in the unetched area between 1 & 3 o'clock, I think I see the little wriggly lines one sees in some sections of elephant ivory. Does not show the characteristics of walrus ivory. I don't know if whale can look like this.

    Think the scrimshaw is signed with an F at 3 o'clock.
     
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  12. bluumz

    bluumz Quite Busy

    I see.
    I took that as waviness in the plastic mix/molding. :)

    Screenshot (76).png
     
  13. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    I can't tell what material that is...and not sure if that F....is not a 7 ....
     
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  14. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    These were dead common during parts of the 60s and 70s. Some had real ivory decorations and some were molded plastic. This looks like the latter to me. Tons were sold in seaside souvenir shops, etc.
     
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  15. RachelW

    RachelW Well-Known Member

    Rip.

    Great to learn, thank you all! I did think ivory at first but figured as Bluumz did that it was plastic. Wasn't sure though! I thought perhaps nacre was the seller trying to get under the radar a little, but if its plastic probably not haha.

    I will say that crack does look non plasticy and older, but with only these photos to go on its really hard to say for certain! I think my 10e will stay in my wallet...for now at least. :smuggrin:
     
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