Victorian Classic Revival 15K Gold Plated Brooch with Pearl Drop - Engraved 1869

Intensely romantic - this Civil War era brooch is engraved "To My Wife, Mary Peterson, Dec. 16th, 1869, J. W. P.".

The brooch is about 1 1/2" x 1", with an additional 1/2" for the pearl drop. The brooch tests as 15K, and is presumed to be gold plated. The front is a classical style with taille d'epargne detailing. It has a hinged c-clasp and old professional repair to reattach the hinge.

Our jeweler has examined the pearl, and it is either a natural pearl or a cultured pearl with a very thick lamina. The pearl is slightly irregular in shape and has a lustrous iridescence. It has been drilled at the top to accommodate a fastener.

One can only imagine the story behind this brooch. It comes from an estate near Gettysburg, PA.