Hallmarked 1914 Silver Name Brooch 'EDITH' (Sorry this item is sold)

This lovely little name brooch  has the name EDITH and a heart and flower decoration.  Made of sterling silver and hallmarked in Chester in 1914, it measures just over 4cms in length (a little over 1.5 inches) by 1.5cms (.5 in) at its widest point. It fastens with an old fashioned 'c' type clasp. 

It is reputed that these name pins were first worn by the servants in England's large country houses.    The pins quickly became a popular form of sweetheart brooch for the sentimental Victorians.  The popularity of the brooches continued  through the Edwardian period into the 1920's and there was a revival of these items during World War 2.  Materials used for name brooches include Silver, Gold, base metals and rolled gold wires, sometimes they are set with gems, diamante or paste or marcasite.  Names are also engraved and sometimes painted onto natural materials like  ivory, bone or Whitby Jet and early plastics like Bakelite, Celluloid, Casein and Lucite.  It was also popular to make brooches with the words 'Mother' and 'Baby' ;  with initials on or letters which make up a name in the form of a puzzle; with place names upon them or simply with sentiments like 'Best Wishes', 'Mizpah' (an old hebrew prayer which  translated  means 'may the Lord watch over us whilst we are apart' ) or the words 'Souvenir'.

It is lovely to collect sentimental jewellery and this sweet little 'Edith' pin would fit into a collection or would be a lovely gift for EDITH.