Posted 16 years ago
LynnReinke
(1 item)
I was told that is a Hat Pin from my grandmother it was her college graduation hat pin. It is 14 carat gold. I did not know what college she graduated from but she was born in the late 1800's or early 1900's we think in Missouri.
Yes, this is a true antique hatpin from the turn of the 20th Century (1890 - 1920). It is called an escutcheon hatpin and the top plate incised with the script initial "MK" is probably the only part that is gold....all the rest is most likely brass, gilded with a gold wash perhaps. You don't mention the length of the pinshaft, but it is probably about 8 to 10 inches long, right? It probably cost about $2 when it was purchased as a graduation gift, but its monetary value to collectors today is around $75. What a lovely rememberance of your grandmother.
Pretty escutcheon hatpin, most likely brass with a rolled told escutcheon plate. These are one of the more common hatpins found. Most sell on eBay now for around $20-$25. Prices have really dropped on the more common pieces. But what a fun piece of history to inherit. Hopefully you treasure this wonderful family heirloom.