Cameo Brooch 1887? | ||
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Posted 4 years ago
GJmom
(1 item)
I inherited this brooch recently, I believe it came from England as my ancestors are from there. I don’t have any further info on this and would
like to see what info anyone would have to offer as far as the potential materials used to make the cameo or any other insight into this piece.
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Well, I'm guessing from the helmet, long hair and armour/shield that this represents the goddess Athena.
Is there any sign of a hallmark on it? I couldn't see one in your photo, which may suggest this is base metal.
I see that the scratched inscriptions on the back include 'on TYNE' (which could be a reference to Newcastle-on-Tyne in England?) but also 'U.S.A.' below the 7 in '1887'. Hard to know what significance this has.
A closer examination of the hinge might prove helpful. There are numerous sites that help to date a jewellery piece by its finding, for example:
https://jewellerymuse.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/tips-on-how-to-date-a-vintage-brooch/
I don’t see any sign of a hallmark on it. Could the back cover (if lifted gently) have info on the opposite side? Also maybe the cover was added to it? The latch looks to be a roll latch and doesn’t match any of the metals on the brooch, maybe added as well?
The engraving was done by my Gramme, without a doubt. She received it in 1956, 1887 is the year on the back as well. Maybe initials of other family members who had it before her? Will have to look into ancestry lineage for that answer...good call
on the TYNE, will look into that too.
Thank you for taking the time to look at this post and offering insight!
The Newcastle is there. Above it is a name that begins G. Gr ....... there is an arrow above the G that lead you to some initials. Interesting piece.
The cameo itself appears to be glass or ceramic. Be careful about getting it wet; it may be painted with water soluble pigments. The metal is probably brass, with glass cabochons meant to look like turquoise & garnet.
The helmet with its dragon-like beast really belongs to Achilles, but I agree that the very long hair suggests the modeler had Athena in mind.
Appears to be in excellent condition & all the inscriptions on the back make a nice family history puzzle. What a great heirloom to have. :)
It might well be Mars too with the Dragon helmet.
If the clasp & hinge are original to it, puts it solidly into the 20th century.