Victorian Costume Carved Horn Pin or Brooch

This carved black pin has a matte finish with glossy highlights. The organic shape features a Maltese Cross. The pin is made of carved animal horn, and the hot pin test creates a smell like burning hair. The pin bar is probably not original, but it is in good functional condition and includes a safety catch. The pin is chunky, measuring 1 3/4" long X 1 1/8" wide X 3/8" thick. Queen Victoria wore black jewelry such as this to remember her husband, Prince Albert, who died many years before she did. This pin is probably English, although it is not marked, and it dates from around 1880-1890. It is in excellent condition.