Antique Edwardian Scottish Agate Targe Pebble Brooch, Birmingham, 1912, 4.5g
Lovely and rare antique Scottish agate and silver pebble brooch/kilt pin in the form of a basket hilt sword and targe. From the late 16th century, until the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the Scottish Highlander's main means of defence in battle was his targe, or small shield.
After the disastrous defeat of the Jacobite army at Culloden, the carrying of the targe was banned by the Disarming Act and many were destroyed. Those that remain are decorated with intricate patterns indicating that they would have originally belonged to high-status people. This piece somewhat unusually is hallmarked for Birmingham, 1912 and was crafted by William Johnson & Son Ltd who were registered that year as being at Clifford Street in that city. The central targe and parts of the blade are set with green and red Scottish agate and the pin is topped by a highly-decorative hilt.
All the stones are in good order with no cracks or chips. The pin measures 5.7cms in length and the targe is 1.5cms in diameter and weighs 4.5g.
It's in good antique condition, with just a hint of tarnish. The fastening pin is attached by a tube hinge and is straight, fastening with a traditional C-shaped clasp. Agate jewellery has been produced in Scotland for hundreds of years, as our country is the source of an amazing array of chalcedony quartz gemstone or agates, which can quite often be picked up off the beach! Brooches were most favoured as they were both beautiful and functional in holding heavy capes, cloaks and shawls in place.
Her death in 1901 signalled a general decline in the popularity of Scottish agate jewellery. However, nowadays it is incredible sought after, good quality pieces commanding high prices.
This is a versatile piece which would look good on a lapel, a kilt or fastening a pashmina. Sorry, antique box is for display purposes only and is not included in the sale. Brooch will be despatched in a modern card gift box. This item is in the category "Jewellery & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewellery\Brooches & Pins".
The seller is "atlantaa" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Antique: Yes
- Main Stone Colour: Orange/Green
- Year Manufactured: Pre-1920
- Item Length: 5.7 cms
- Metal: Silver
- Vintage: No
- Main Stone: Agate
- Main Stone Treatment: Not Enhanced
- Department: Unisex Adult
- Main Stone Shape: Trillion
- Base Metal: Sterling Silver
- Featured Refinements: Scottish Agate
- Number of Gemstones: 8
- Handmade: Yes
- Main Stone Creation: Natural
- Signed: Yes
- Brand: William Johnson & Son Ltd
- Type: Brooch
- Metal Purity: 925
- Era: Edwardian (1901-1910)
- Jewellery Department: Fine
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom