Featured I've Been SO Excited to Show You This!

has the look of a hummingbird....

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1441750064/vintage-bird-brooch-rare-retro

https://fr.todocoleccion.net/joaillerie/broche-ave-plata~x439993327

 

I agree that it looks like a starling.
I love Laurence Sterne's 1768 starling story in A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy!

 

It's funny that they'd do that sort of killer metalwork and not bother to mark it anywhere. Makes you want to go back and kick the metalsmith.

 

it looks like a casting and could be marked on the reverse inside

 

Drat, I thought this was pretty unique haha. To some extent at least, I knew it was cast/moulded in some way. At least I can say I probably have the original!

 

I think I read this in school? If it's the one I'm thinking of it is a good one!

 

Same here! mark. Your. Pieces. Please

I frankly find that more annoying than no marks at all! Let me just dismantle/ruin a 200 year old piece to see that half stamped mark.

 

I saw starling right away but tail too long

Obviously hammered into a mold and many would have been made.

 

I’ve got something very similar if not the same piece buried in the hoard, I’ll try and find it to show.

 

I linked it in my post, if you care to read it.

Ah, yes, I hadn't noticed that!

Well, we buy what we love and I would love that, too!

 

I love him. Beautifully rendered and will be a joy to wear for sure!

 

Oh that's a shame but I think the tarnish kind of adds to its appeal for me! Love the colour that's showing through. It's stunning.

 

Yes I'm quite chuffed! Thank you for sharing my enthusiasm.

Thanks Bluumz, I did have a glance at it but will have to go back to read properly.

What are we thinking age wise then? I saw a couple of you say you'd put it earlier than 1870s-ish, which was my guess.

 

Second half of the 19th century, imo.
Keep reading.

Yes, it is a plated base metal. I'm not sure the plating is silver.

You were right imo, it looks French to me.
It only reminded bosko of Japanese art, which is where the inspiration could have come from.

 

I also think 1870s-80s, the type of thing that would appeal to the Aesthetic Movement crowd.

 

Awesome, thanks AJ!

 

Wow, so beautiful and elegant!

 

A swallow. Which had symbolic meaning in Victorian times.

https://blog.acsilver.co.uk/2020/08/11/swallow-brooch-meaning/

Debora

 

Yes it appears to me the back plate was reattached when the new clasp was installed and the mark either made then, or left over from the first pin.

I agree with this. I'd not try to polish it.

 

It looks to me that the back was either entirely removed or partially removed, slightly springing the front where it should not show a seam. It's nothing noticeable nor to be fixed, just a part of its history. I think it's a great piece.