Posted 8 years ago
Efesgirl
(1017 items)
Bought from the same stall as my horse brooch. I took it today to Geri for testing and it IS solid 18K GOLD!! Yee haa!
The trombone clasp has a tiny locking device which prevents the clasp from accidentally opening. That's something I have never seen. The rivet marks are what's left of a hanger.
Likely circa 1900, give or take a bit. I only found one other very much like this one, but there are no photos of the reverse side of the brooch. Link in the Comments.
:-((((
Thanks for coming by!
~Bonnie~
You do find some cool gear!
I always thought the t bar hinge is antique. But of course...what I know? :)
The brooch is terrific.
martika - in Europe the trombone clasp was used up until the 1950s. This brooch could very well be 1920s, but I have nothing for comparison. :-)))))
Very nice piece Bonnie! I believe it's the Incan God Viracocha.
I think martika was trying to point out the tube hinge, note the trombone end of the clasp.
davyd286 - yes, I understand. I'll change the title to "Antique". :-)))
The tube hinge and trombone clasp are 19th century inventions and were used into the 1900s. The rivet hinge took over from the tube hinge. I'll assume on that basis that this brooch is an antique.
I found this one, but there's no photo of the back:
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/tooveys/catalogue-id-srtoo10043/lot-43917e37-ff3a-4ea0-80c2-a45400bab686
*note = "not"
i don't think that this is Viracocha because that god is always shown face forward - symmetrically. i think this is represents a Chasqui or running messenger. i'm not certain though, just my opinion!
I just realised where I saw this figure!!! Gate of the Sun in Tiwanaku, Bolivia. The central figure (probably a Sun god) is surrounded by winged creatures, like on your brooch.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gate_of_the_Sun
I agree with martika looks Mayan. Wow nice find!
Hi Bonnie!
I lost my grandfathers "Inca" ring backin 2004. It had the very same motive as your brooch. What are the meassurements?
Congrats on the find:-)