Posted 8 years ago
AnneLanders
(100 items)
Lesson on clasps to help you to be able to identify jewellery. Obviously this isnt an exact science. And if a good forger on a valuable item knows how ro forge items in this way. But if you have a brooch that you are trying to date then this time I will run with it.
Trombone Clasps were used by the British as brooch pins from around 1850. They date usually by saying 1890-1910. That's pretty much my starting point with my recent purchase.
It's so clever how they work the trombone clasp. It seems to have a very small but working spring clasp. If you look up closely you will see like a slider when you pull back the outer barrel. Hence the name Trombone after the musical instrament. Many of my pieces have this type of clasp. Just for interest sake, as you probably already know, the "C" Clasp was patented in 1930. So that helps date newer pieces.
Whilst the Trombone Clasp was this era it did continue to be used by some European jewellers.
OK my piece. I love this shape. I have quite a few from the period. The oval shape represents several infuences. An artifact of brass metal maybe as a shield. Or the tortise back as influenced from period 875-925 AD.
Czech glass I'm guessing. However what strikes me with this one are two things and these are the reasons I bought it; the stunning stones or glass work. They glisten beautifully in the sunlight.
Secondly and most amazingly is the incredibly metal work. It doesnt come up in the photos very well. I took them quite late night. But the detail is quite amazing. You can see at least 3 green stone flowers.Also the other amazing thing is the detail of the metal work. It is just incredible. The patterns, the intricate detail is that of a fine metal maker.
Any clues to the maker and better stab as to who the maker might be. Metal design is not something I know a loy about :) .
What a beautiful brooch. Love the metal work, great as you say, and the variety of stone colours - a rainbow!
Really lovely brooch!
Thanks ladies. Yes it's huge. It approx 5 inches at the centre of its width. It has 24 small stones and 1 large Amerthyst :)
I love it :) :) ;)
Love the brooch, it reminds me of Austro-Hungarian work especially the back.
no valentino97, thanks for your interest buy if you look at the height. it's quite thin in that dimension and wouldn't hold a sash belt. The clasp I believe is not correct for tha suggestion.
Thank you again for assisting.
Really hoping to find a maker as it really does look like a divine piece. I cant stop picking it up and looking it. The metal in particular is mesmerising. You find something different everytime... :)
Peasejean55, do you have any examples to compare?
http://www.jewelscollectingdust.com/austrohungarian.htm
If you scroll down the link above, there are a couple of pieces that your brooch in my opinion are similar.
The brooch might be similar however the back isnt. See on that first picture, it hasnt got that flat panel?
Thank you for sending. Is that your website?
It has some lovely things. I think it will be my weekend activity.
I just don't think it's a big enough brooch all over to be used as a buckle... :)
There is one brooch in a diamond shape in the link above that has a trombone clasp. If I find anything else I'll pass it on.
valentino97,
When I can locate a measuring implement I may. You probably aren't aware as you may not read some of my posts but we are packing up for a minimalist look as we are about to list the house on the market to be sold.
I have looked at that Sash Buckle post, many times, as stated before and there are 3 reasons why my brooch isnt a Sash Buckle.
1) my brooch does not have that flat square plate as in the centre of the other Sash Buckle.
2) my brooch is not as broad as the other item shown.
3) because of this size difference, my brooch couldn't take the weight as a Sash Buckle does.
ergo it appears my brooch is a stand alone and purpose made brooch whereas the one link picture isn't.
I thought I'd actually mentioned this. And as the brooch is a flat and yet oval item, how many points of reference did you require and as it's a brooch, why do you need more than two measurements ?
unfortunately nothing will make my next home a "better home". I'm in a way being forced to because my husband wishes to return to the UK.
I can't bring myself to say anything else. However who knows, it might end up being better if I can find inner peace. I certainly don't have much of this now....
what a colorful and very beautiful brooch!!
thank you Sean....it's a stunner, wore it out for the first time this week and love it....
Beautiful colors:)
Thanks Trey