Circa 1957, this fabulous sterling sword brooch is in a classic Alexander Ritchie, Iona Celtic knotwork design and large enough to wear as a kilt pin.
The brooch bears historical Chester hallmarks (the assay office closed in 1962 so Chester silver is particularly sought after) and is stamped 'SCOTLAND'. It is crafted in heavy gauge silver and fashioned as a Claymore, a medieval Scottish broadsword and at 3 inches in length this is a good size pin and sturdy enough for wear on heavy fabrics.
Lovely attention to detail, the sword is decorated with Celtic knot work along the broad blade, signifying a bond that cannot be broken. The hilt is decorated in a triquetra (trinity knot) motif representing the 'past, present & future' and it has an elegant plumed finial at the top of the handle.
The tradition of wearing a pin to weigh down the front of a kilt goes back to Queen Victoria's reign (it is only fastened to the front flap or apron). On a windy day, in Scotland, she is said to have given a soldier her own brooch to stop the front of his kilt flapping, thus preserving his modesty!
A sturdy pin back with a roll over safety clasp completes this beautiful example of traditional Scottish silver, a lovely accent accessory good for the gents or the ladies and perfect for a Scottish themed wedding.
MATERIALS: 925 sterling silver
DATE: mid century, dated 1957
MEASUREMENTS: 3" (7.3cm) long, 1" (2.5cm) wide at the handle, the 'blade' is 5.3mm
HALLMARKS: stamped 'lion passant' for sterling, '3 wheatsheaves in a shield' for Chester, date letter 'G' for 1957 and worn makers mark 'S&?', also stamped 'Scotland'
WEIGHT: 8.6 grams
CONDITION: Excellent vintage condition with minimal wear and the pin back in perfect working order
At Mercy Madge we offer distinctive and unique antique and vintage jewellery. Each piece is carefully hand selected by us, with you in mind. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
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Materials: Sterling silver.