A lovely, medium-sized, silver fouled anchor brooch,  set with  beautiful banded Montrose grey agate. Dating to around 1870, it is unmarked which is not unusual for pieces of this date. The fouled anchor is a classic symbolic Victorian lover’s token, with the anchor meaning steadfastness and the fouling wire meaning entwined love forever. The piece has a suspension loop to allow it to be used as a very dramatic pendant as well as a brooch.

 

It is immaculate condition with no chips, cracks or loss to the stones. The silver is delicately hand-etched all over and shows no signs of wear. The original fastening pin is straight and secure, fastening with the traditional C-shaped clasp. Length 6.2cms x width 3.5cms at the widest point, weight 8.9g. 


It was Queen Victoria’s love affair with all things Scottish (dating from her purchase of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire around the 1850’s) which made this distinctive pebble jewellery fashionable. Her death in 1901 signalled a general decline in the popularity of Scottish pebble jewellery. However, nowadays it is incredible sought after, good quality pieces commanding high prices.  


This stunning piece would look great as a kilt pin, on a lapel or fastening a pashmina and will be bound to appeal to collectors or just those who love beautiful and finely-crafted things.


Please note photos are enlarged to show detail. Scale can be assessed by photo 10. Sorry, but antique box is for display only and is NOT included in the sale. Thank you.