SALE INCREDIBLE 1870's Enamel & Gold-filled or Overlay Cross Motif Button-Hole Accessory/Lapel Pin

Jewelry : Vintage : Accessories : Cufflinks & Tie Tacks

 

After hours and hours of research I'm still not entirely certain whether to classify this piece as a tie tack, button, cuff-link, or lapel pin. I cannot find another piece like this in the mountains of books I have gone through, the piece has a construction much like a tie tack, but the "pin" is wide and blunt.

I've received a helpful email about the item (thanks Jeanie!) which is in agreement with my hunch that this would have gone through a button hole or other opening in an article of clothing. It has an ingenious (especially for it's time) pressure-release mechanism to separate the back from the front.

Marked "PAT NOV 10 1875" on the back. Testing positive for low karat gold; at the least it is an overlay or gold-filled. The piece measures 7/8 x 5/8" and is in wonderful condition for its age! The enameling is intact and the metal is full of shine. The back component and edges do show some very minimal wear.

What makes this piece so divine though (no pun intended)- in spite of it's iffy purpose- is the fantastic religious motif! The front has a "wreath" of black leaves that encircle a Christian cross. Most probably a piece for mourning from the enameling.

This little gem is a must-have for collectors of Victoriana, mourning jewelry, or religious artifacts. Could simply be displayed proudly or worn through a button hole or cuff!

Item ID: A-109