DATE: Victorian, 1891

The sweetest antique enamelled brooch dating from 1891 - towards the end of Victoria's (then) record-setting reign. It's crafted in sterling silver, with English hallmarks to confirm and provide a concrete date, and finished in incredibly fine coloured enamel. The subjects are a goldfinch, and various flowers: musk rose, a dog rose, and forget-me-nots. The Victorians, ever fans of hidden meaning, had a whole "Language of Flowers" (that's literally what it was called), with each one given layers of sentimental and/or romantic meaning. And they were remarkably specific. In this case, the musk rose symbolises Capricious Beauty, the dog rose for Pleasure & Pain, and the forget-me-nots for True Love. The goldfinch here symbolises Wealth & Good Fortune. All-round powerful stuff. 

MEASUREMENTS 

4.0 x 2.2cm

WEIGHT 

4.1g

MARKS 

English hallmarks for Sterling Silver, Birmingham 1891

CONDITION 

Very good, fine antique patina. A couple of the little silver pommels are missing  - see pics