Up for bid is a fine antique sterling boutonniere pin from
Marshall, Field & Co. in its original box, with a calling card of noted
industrialist William H. Miner. The pin
is 3 ½ inches long by ¼ inch wide and weighs 15 grams. It is made of heavy flat stock with a simple
molded pattern, bent into a yoke with a central spike to hold a chunky flower
like a carnation. It has a long hinged pin
back with an early-style safety catch.
It is marked “MARSHALL FIELD & CO.” and “STERLING”. The pin comes in its original buff paper box
with fabic hinge and velvet liner. Inside
the lid is some cotton padding and the calling card of William H. Miner, noted
Chicago industrialist. I do not know if
this belonged to him, or may have been a gift from him, but he did live and
work in Chicago for many years.
Condition on the pin is quite good. There is just light wear. The box is a bit worn, but intact. A fun and historic piece of jewelry!