A fabulous rare Antique French Brooch, with a swivel, so that you can turn the brooch around to show the other side. These brooches were often worn as mourning jewelry, with a portrait on the front, and a lock of hair or other sentimental memento on the reverse. Beautifully worked of pinchbeck.
This oval swivel brooch is a classic example of a late Victorian mourning jewel. Quite large in size, with a beautiful ornate border, the center which would have originally contained a photograph but now showcases a lovely reproduction image of a French young woman waiting for you to add your own image. The reverse holds a snippet of a hand written letter {perhaps written by a love, or a brother lost long ago?
The rim was soldered long ago, perhaps so as not to risk loosing the portrait.{The other side of the locket portion opens, it is possible to change the contents on both sides should you wish.} This has little celluloid covers, a Victorian style "C" closure, and a loop to hang it from a chain or silk ribbon. There is slight wear to the gold as shown.
- Measures 3" x 2~3/4" x 1/2".
