Description: I love the Victorian hand theme and this piece is no exception. It's an antique, Victorian Era, vulcanite, pointing hand brooch that would have been worn during mourning and/or as a fashion accessory. It's a good size but not huge. I'm listing three hand pins at present and this one is in the middle as far as size goes. I have a smaller, Whitby jet, pointing hand brooch listed as well. I've included a photo of all three, hand brooches I currently have as well as a good chunk of my collection of jet and similar jewelry. If you see something you like that is not listed, please feel free to send a message to ask for more information, but please note that this listing is for the single, hand pin described within this listing.
Background: Vulcanite: The simple explanation is that Vulcanite is a form of hardened rubber. Taking this further, Goodyear (known today as the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company out of Akron, Ohio) patented Vulcanite in 1846. A mixture of rubber and sulfur that is heated to create a brown powder, which is then used to mold the item being produced. Vulcanite was used in jewelry due to its similarity to jet and it's low cost to produce. Vulcanite initially is black in color, often with a tinge of brown, but it often fades to brown with time and exposure to sunlight.
Sources: https://artofmourning.com/2011/02/08/vulcanite/
http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/collectVictJetPins.html
Materials: Vulcanite or other jet material, brass or other metal.
Measurements: Approximately: 2 1/8" long and 7/8" wide.
Weight: 7 grams.
Date estimate: c. 1880s/1890s.
Origin: European.
Condition: Good, antique condition with wear in keeping with age and use including surface wear that is seen mainly upon close inspection or with magnification. The vulcanite has maintained its black color with only a few tinges of brown in some of the crevices. There are some ripples on the top of the wrist, but I don't think this detracts (but that's my opinion). Please view the photos and decide the condition for yourself.
Any boxes or props pictured are for display only unless otherwise noted and are not included with this listing.
Notes about purchasing vintage and antique jewelry: Items that have been loved for decades or even centuries should be purchased with the understanding that they usually reflect age-related wear. I try to describe the most obvious blemishes, if any, for each piece, but there may be other condition issues not listed, so please use the pictures as a guide and feel free to ask any questions for clarification before purchasing. Also, unless a piece is hallmarked with the date, a date “estimate” is just that, an estimate, not a guarantee.
Please pay within two working days or contact me before you bid or select the “Buy it Now” option if you require more time. If you have not paid and I have not heard from you after three working days, I will have to pursue an unpaid item case per eBay.
Returns: eBay recently changed their policy and they now require sellers to select the option for 30 or 60-day returns or not accept returns when they list items. I’m a private seller and small business, so I can only offer two weeks comfortably. Here is my policy: Returns are accepted for a full refund for any reason within two weeks of receipt. Please message me before shipping the item back or starting a return request. Returned items must be in the same condition they were received in. Buyer pays return shipping unless I've made an error with regard to your order. I recommend shipping your return item tracked and insured as Portals of Time will not be responsible if your return item is lost or damaged.
Shipping: I only charge for the cost of shipping as I pay for shipping insurance and packing materials, so I’m essentially subsidizing the cost of shipping. I offer a choice of First Class or Priority for most domestic orders under a certain value and can arrange shipping upgrades including a signature confirmation or expedited services but only if you contact me to set this up BEFORE you pay. I ship to many countries via the Global Shipping Program and I also offer first class international to the UK, Europe, Canada, and Australia with the exception of breakables, some high-end items, or combined orders over a certain amount. Combined shipping is available for most domestic and international first class orders but you must contact me BEFORE you pay to arrange this. Once you are ready to purchase all items, either request a total from me or send me a message. For Global Shipping orders, contact me before bidding or selecting the "Buy it Now" or "Make Offer" option to see if combined shipping will be available for your purchase.
Please note that pricing for the antique and vintage jewelry sold here at Portals is not based on the weight and value of any precious metals or stones as is often the case with new, modern jewelry. Instead, pricing is based on the style and rarity of the piece as an antique and prices are subject to change according to fluctuations in market value and availability or scarcity of a particular style or type of piece. I must also keep in mind the time, effort, and resources I spend to find, acquire, photograph, list, and market a particular piece as well as the cost of selling in the online marketplace.
About me: While I have been on eBay since 2007, this is a brand-new eBay store I opened just for Portals of Time Vintage. However, I’ve been selling online via Portals of Time elsewhere for almost a year, so if you Google "Portals of Time Vintage" the results will come up with my store name, feedback, and reviews. You can also find Portals on Instagram with username: portalsvintage for more insight. My specialty is mourning, memento mori, fine paste, and other rare types of antique and vintage jewelry. I think there is something special about wearing or holding a piece that is vintage, antique, or antiquarian. It creates a connection that can take you back in time. I’m a historian, so I think of these pieces as artifacts that speak to us about the past. All the jewelry I sell is in ready-to-wear condition unless specifically noted and most pieces are rare and collectible. Be sure to check my other listings and stay tuned as I add more wonderful treasures for sale.