Dating to the Georgian Regency era circa 1810, an authentic and extremely rare Berlin iron brooch. The brooch is a large rectangular size and made in blackened cast-iron openwork fashioned in a neoclassical design typical of the period. The centre of the brooch features a classical female bust on a mirrored polished steel oval plaque. The reverse has a sturdy curved pin stem with a T-hinge and C-clasp that is welded onto a japanned black plaque.
The manufacture of Berlin iron jewellery reached its peak between 1813 and 1815, when the Prussian royal family urged all citizens to contribute their gold and silver jewellery to fund the Napoleonic wars. In return people were given iron jewellery often with the inscription Gold gab ich für Eisen (I gave gold for iron). Until then iron jewellery had only been worn during mourning periods but it suddenly became a symbol of patriotism and loyalty, with its obvious aesthetic appeal it became popular overnight!
This Berlin ironwork brooch is such an exciting discovery, it is rare to find this jewellery outside of museum collections, mainly in Europe. A collectors dream piece, perfect for the connoisseur!
DETAILS:
METAL: cast iron, steel
SIZE: 2-1/4"/5.6cm tall, 1-1/4"3cm wide
DATE: circa 1810, Georgian
WEIGHT: 15.6 grams
MARKS: none
CONDITION: in fine antique condition showing wear consistent with age and use. We have more photos of this piece on our website at www.mercymadge.com
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide tracked & insured shipping for all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no added tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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Materials: Berlin Iron, Steel.