An authentic mid-Victorian pinchbeck mourning brooch dating to circa 1850 - 1860.
The frame is crafted from Pinchbeck (an antique gold-substitute alloy) and finished with deep black enamel detailing in a classic Rococo-revival scrolling border. The central oval features well-preserved palette hairwork. The hair is curled into intricate plumes and accented with delicate gold wire scrolls and seed pearls, set against a white ground.
Condition:The front hairwork artistry is intact. The black enamel shows only light surface scratches no chips. The reverse retains its original 19th-century tube hinge, long pin stem, and C-catch. Please note: there is visible historic adhesive residue/crusting around the inner gold bezel ring where the glass meets the enamel (see close-up photos). Tested as non-precious metal/Pinchbeck.
Dimensions: Overall size: 4.6 cm by 4.0 cm. Central glass image window: 3.0 cm wide.
