A rare and striking vintage sterling silver Celtic kilt pin in a zoomorphic design. Fashioned as a sword and shield with the sword tip decorated in a dragon head and the shield featuring a coiled ouroboros (a snake eating its own tail). These zoomorphic designs are based on illustrations found in the famous Book Of Kells, an ancient illuminated manuscript which was started on the Scottish island of Iona and likely completed in Kells, Ireland. This magnificent work of insular art dates from the Early Middle Ages AD 800 and it was created against a background of Viking raids in Britain.
A quality piece the kilt pin is beautifully detailed with the raised silver design really popping against against an acid etched black background. It has a sturdy pin stem, T-hinge and C-clasp and is stamped with a makers mark on the reverse and a hallmark on the edge of the C-clasp, they are obscured so unfortunately we cannot read them.
Kilt pins are not just for kilts, they are perfect for wear on coats, jackets, ruana wraps, cloaks, hats or anywhere else a pin would look beautiful. A rare and striking vintage Celtic silver kilt pin and highly collectible too!
DETAILS:
METAL: Sterling silver
MEASUREMENTS: 2-5/8"/6.8cm long, 3/4"/2cm across at the widest point
WEIGHT: 7.1 grams
DATE: estimated circa 1950, Mid-Century
HALLMARKS: marks are indistinct, acid tested and verified sterling throughout
CONDITION: in excellent vintage condition with expected signs of age and use, no noted flaws and the pin back fastening securely
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 and enjoy 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.
* 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.
Materials: Sterling Silver.