What are these?

This item looks like it is a brooch of some sort. It is 1 7/8" wide and 1 1/4" high. It has a pin type clasp that is closed at the pin tip and can be put under from either side. The words PAT. PEND. are on the back. It has a flower & ribbon embossing on the front and the two pieces on front are curved. I have no idea what it is made of and wonder if anyone out there might know how old it is or what is was for.

It looks as if the clasp was hand made, but I'm no expert and am having a hard time finding anything else like it.

It really needs cleaning, but I'm afraid to do anything with it, because I'm not sure what it's made of.

It belonged to someone in my mother's family and she would be 105 this year if she were still here.

If anyone has one of these or knows what it might be, please let me know.

Thanks!!