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Art Deco Mara site and enamel humming bird brooch

In Fine Jewelry > Enamel Jewelry > Show & Tell and Fine Jewelry > Art Deco Jewelry > Show & Tell.
Zilla's loves230 of 887Gold Ring With Unknown Hallmark On Outside Of ShankFamily Bibles Dated 1834
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    Posted 7 years ago

    Bauble
    (1 item)

    This brooch belonged to my grandmother.I am assuming it is enamel and marcasite however on the back it is stamped with the word -silver.There is no hallmark just the word silver.It measures approx 2inches (50mm)from tip of tail to top of the head and approx 1 and and half inches(38mm)from end of wing tip to breast bone.I would appreciate as much info about this as possible.When and where they were manufactured,what materials were used ,approximately what they were sold for etc.The more info I can garner about this brooch will be greatly appreciated.I can recall my grandmother wearing this at times on a jacket lapel and at other times on a beret.

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    Comments

    1. Bauble, 7 years ago
      Any info on this brooch would be much appreciated
    2. Efesgirl Efesgirl, 7 years ago
      It's a beauty, but there's not too much to tell about it. The mark "Silver" is generic and could mean that the brooch is not up to the 925 Sterling silver standard. I think in 1905 or 1906, the USA required a silver purity mark of 925 on all Sterling jewelry. That would mean that your brooch was most likely made outside the USA and probably later in the Art Deco period. If it was made earlier (Victorian/Edwardian period) the clasp and hinge would be different.
    3. Bauble, 7 years ago
      Thanks for that info.It is very helpful.I am completing a university assignment on how objects can tell us more about our family history.So if you have anymore info you can add it would be greatly appreciated.Perhaps you can direct to websites where I can find more info regarding manufacture ,materials etc.
      Thanks once again
    4. katherinescollections katherinescollections, 7 years ago
      kyratango, what do you think?

      Bauble, Efesgirl is one of the experts on jewelry here on the site, there are a few others who might venture an opinion, kyratango is one of them. I don't know that they can tell you more about than was already posted. Art Deco style enamel on silver, modern clasp. It's quite an interesting brooch, how nice that you remember your grandmother wearing it on her beret. :)
    5. katherinescollections katherinescollections, 7 years ago
      Oh, and I should have added, not rightly sure what this creature is, but it isn't a hummingbird.
    6. Gillian, 7 years ago
      It has Marcasites at the sides of the wings, and also on the side of the tail - is that what you meant by Mara site?
    7. Gillian, 7 years ago
      Bauble - please would you delete my comment. It's redundant.
    8. Bauble, 7 years ago
      Hi thanks for that .I don't know if it has any significance but it was originally fitted with a different pin/ fastening It isn't very clear from the rear photo as it is too dark .But it looks like the original pin /fastening was much smaller and fitted across the inside of the wingspan on the rear.There is a small round hoop through which the pin or fastening must of gone

    9. kyratango kyratango, 7 years ago
      Hi Bauble!
      Welcome to CW :-)

      These enamel and marcasites brooches are generally marked Germany and silver.
      Google for Alice Caviness who designed and sold under her name flowers, fishes and bird brooches.

      The ring on back was to attach a chain with a pin to secure the brooch, not part of fastening :-)
      The rollover clasp is the original one.

    10. kyratango kyratango, 7 years ago
      Vintage German Sterling Silver Love Birds Brooch with Colorful Enamel from malenasboutique on Ruby Lane
      https://www.rubylane.com/item/209934-rRLbirdge/Vintage-German-Sterling-Silver-Love-Birds
    11. Bauble, 7 years ago
      Thanks kyratango for that info.I will follow the link you provided

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