antique brooches

[miss_sneff]

i have recently accuried a brooch bought from the goldsmiths and silversmiths at 112 regent street, london. would anyone be able to help me identify the brooch or tell me what it represents? i have photos.

[MustafaTickl]

Post a photograph here then, as that will give the only chance you have of receiving a useful answer.

[Peter Pedant]

erm, what did they tell you when you bought it ?

[miss_sneff]

im sturggling to find where to upload photos onto this website???

[MustafaTickl]

Go to http://photobucket.com/ and register. Then follow the instructions to upload your photo. Then simply Copy the URL link which you will see under your photo and Paste here. All extremely easy you will find. Looking forward to seeing your picture.

[saanen]

Hurry up then. We're all dying to see it!

[miss_sneff]

thanks for all your help, i hope you can shed some light on the brooch.... xx

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/miss_sn eff/IMG_0092.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/miss_sn eff/IMG_0095.jpg

[MustafaTickl]

Thats good. It certainly looks as if it might be important. Is it hallmarked for gold and if so can you see the date letter? I assume that the monogram is SMU in some order and am looking through my references to see if I can find anything.

[miss_sneff]

thanks for all your help, the photo doesnt show the lettering to its best potential but looking closely it may look like there is a "V" from the middle of the M and also an "H" from the legs of the M aqnd the middle of the S..maybe this is me just looking into it to much...however these letters aswell i wondered if it had a link the the HMS Victory??

i also cant see a hallmark on it however the clip on the end may have been changed.

[MustafaTickl]

The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Ltd was founded in 1898 and lasted until 1952 when it was absorbed into Garrards, the Royal Jewellers. During it's life it states that it was By Appointment to:-
His Majesty The King.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales.
H. M. The King of Hellenes.
H. I. H. The Shah of Persia
H. R. H. The Crown Prince of Siam
Her Late Majesty Queen Victoria
It made or engaged others to make all sorts of things, swords, watches, clocks and all manner of expensive or exclusive jewellry items. Regarding your brooch, my own view is that the crown is a depiction of the British King's Crown. If so, it ranges through Edward VII, George V and George VI. It seems a very personal thing to set an enamelled monogram attached to and below such a prominent crown, perhaps indicating a member of the family. Rather more abstract, it could be some association of which a King was patron. I've drawn a blank, but my resource is very limited. If nobody comes along with an idea, I suggest that you send your photograph's to the Jewellry Department at Sotheby's London to see if they can help. I have had such dealings with them and have always found them nice and helpful and very knowledgeable.

[MustafaTickl]

PS. I should have added another thought. You could also send your photographs to Garrards in London addressed specifically to Mr. David Thomas and ask if he recognises it. Mr Thomas has been the top Jeweller there for many years. But be quick as Mr Thomas retires in July and there is nobody of the same experience to follow him.

[miss_sneff]

thankyou again for all your help, i will indeed get intouch with the jeweller and hope that he can help. atleast we have a reasonable time period etc thanks to your investigation, many thanks and i will keep you posted if we get any answers?

[MustafaTickl]

Thank you. I shall look forward to your news with interest. Best wishes.