Posted 8 years ago
racer4four
(620 items)
This brooch was sold to me as a possible Bernard Instone but I don't know enough about his work to say it is or not. I hope Jean can help me with that.
Whether it is Instone or not, and even with the damage to it, I like it a lot and have worn it heaps since it arrived.
It is marked clearly with the Birmingham anchor, sterling lion, and V for year, which confused me as I couldn't tell if it was 1920, 1945 or 1970. I thought the hinge and clasp looked older but please forgive me for being a noob with all this. I also could not find any info on ARD&S, only AR&S for Alexander Rodin and Co. Any advice accepted happily!!!
Thanks to Judy who solved this: It's actually stamped AHD&S for A H Darby and Son.
The date letter is for 1920-1921.
You can check it here: https://theassayoffice.co.uk/send-us-your-hallmarking/date-letters
The clasp and hinge are from that period.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Hcvrqa4kA
Hi Karen. At first glance this brooch as a look of Bernard Instone but I would say it isn't Bernard Instone. I have to go out, but will do farther research when I return. I will have a good look at the makers mark. I'm sure Jewel1900 would have a good idea. It's a lovely looking brooch, so enjoy.
Karen I think the maker's mark is AHD&S which would make it A H Darby & Son
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/fellows-and-sons/catalogue-id-srfel10066/lot-81774cb0
I don't think that link is working so just google the name with jewellery and you should find it.........I also think the date V might be 1945.......
Thanks Bonnie. Checking the list!
Thanks Jean for your response. It looks a little like some of his enamel work but probably is a style common around that time. Don't rush - I can wait!
Judy that's great info. Yes the R is probably and H. When I looked online for them it comes up as AH Darby & Co, and I found a similar brooch with a much clearer mark which confirms it for me.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/English-Silver-Enamel-Flower-Brooch-AHD-S-1945-/381557992948
Thanks so much!
Happy to return the help Karen.....and it is very pretty and just in time for spring too!!! It really is lovely!!
http://www.whdarby.co.uk/our-history/
I believe it is 1921
Great research Karen, you have solved your lovely brooch. I have seen these brooches around before. They have the look of Bernard Instone. Great buy.
Also great research by Judy :-)
If you look for this number 331952745145 on eBay, this brooch is the same maker.
Great id Judy! Karen, your brooch is a delight to see, I love the bright enamel and the combination of colors:-D
Kivantitz thank you. The link to their history is great.
Thanks Jean. It's good to see these different brooches from the company. I guess they were either influenced by Instone or in the way that fashion goes, they all produced similar styles in the period.
Thanks Pascale. Judy is a real asset to us here!
If I get brave I might have a go at Kyratising that damage.........:[
Thank you girls!!! Big Smiles here!!!
The firm is believed to have restyled to A.H. Darby and Son around 1941, thought to have been in business until the early 1960's.