Description

A Victorian double sided brooch, crafted in pinchbeck and dating to the mid-19th century.

This circular brooch features an ornate openwork frame with scrolling foliate decoration, surrounding a glazed sepia portrait panel to the front.

The reverse is fitted with a carved bone panel depicting two birds perched within a stylised tree, a finely detailed and symbolic motif often associated with Victorian sentimental jewellery.

The warm golden tone of the pinchbeck gives the appearance of gold while offering a durable and historically significant alternative material widely used during the period.

The brooch is constructed with a traditional pin and clasp fitting to the reverse, allowing it to be worn securely.

Pieces of this nature were often created as personal keepsakes, combining portraiture with symbolic imagery, making this an evocative example of Victorian craftsmanship and sentiment.