DATE: Victorian, c.1860

A marvellous antique butterfly brooch dating from the mid Victorian period, circa 1860. It's made of pique, a form of moulded tortoise shell inlayed with silver and gold. The craftsmanship is excellent, with finely hand-engraved metal inlays including design elements borrowed from what was at the time the burgeoning technological developments of the industrial revolution (in this case, rivets and screw heads). An interesting and unusual juxtaposition of natural and man-made themes. 

MEASUREMENTS 

4.8 x 3.8cm

WEIGHT 

8.4g

MARKS 

No marks present

CONDITION 

Very good, some chips and wear visible on the back and a portion of inlay is missing at the top of the body