Silver jewelry, costume jewelry, maybe not jewelry?

Lookn4Seated · Apr 7, 2009

I need help with an id of this item please. I can take additional pictures at different angles if need be. I found this on an 1870's farmstead in DeKalb, IL. It is 3/4" long by 1/4" wide. It looks to be silver as it was not corroded, and has a nice darker patina on the underside. It seems to be hammered from underneath, and the top/front side looks to have designs of stars? on it. Any help would be appreciated. If anyone can I.D. this, I know someone on here can. Thanks a bunch!

Likely Guy · Apr 7, 2009

I thought that that was just 'weird' when I saw it right side up. Seeing the guts of this piece, it is unique, handcrafted.

Without markings = ?.

No machine made that pine cone broach.

nebstater · Apr 7, 2009

Not real sure about this, but here's my WAG.

It's supposed to represent a pine cone, and was attached to a ribbon that dangled from a bar pin. Possible some lodge or some other organization.

Hope you are able to find out on this one.

Lookn4Seated · Apr 7, 2009

It does look like a pine cone once you guys said that, but I'm curious to how it was attached or what it was attached to, as it does not have your typical pin backing. :icon_scratch:

My first thought was pin, but there is no pin. Then I figured it had to be attached to something, but it is definately hand crafted, and quite unique. Most likely decor of some sort, probably made locally (custom made if you will).

I'm just surprised that it had no marking on it. I still have to take a lupe and double check. Is it possible that it's silver, just not marked?

trikikiwi · Apr 8, 2009

An interesting piece alright :thumbsup:

I notice the 'pin' is attached by a different method at each end - 'over and under'. I wonder if that is significant :icon_scratch:

My guess is Silver :icon_sunny:

Mike

Lookn4Seated · Apr 9, 2009

Someone said it might be Victorian Era silver. Anyone have an idea?

lostcauses · Apr 10, 2009

From the back this most likely was part of a bead necklace item. If you can get back to were it was found look for beads were you found it. It apears that the back would allow one to tie the bead string to it.

Lookn4Seated · Apr 20, 2009

lostcauses said:
From the back this most likely was part of a bead necklace item. If you can get back to were it was found look for beads were you found it. It apears that the back would allow one to tie the bead string to it.

I think you're right. I can see it being part of a beeded necklace or something. I wish i would've found something more to confirm that though. Thanks.