Help with very old brooch. (Warning-Large Images. Dial Up Unfriendly)

hamsterboy

Hi All
My GF has a very old brooch that belonged to her grandmother that we have been trying to date and id etc, but so far no luck so I said I'd throw up some pics here and see what happened.
He granny found it in a field while picking spuds in Wexford, but we don't know when.....
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If anyone has any ideas/comments, that would be appreciated
Cheers

HB

Gnar

You should forward this pic to Mary Deevy,she works with the NRA in Navan but she is also a medieval brooch specialist and she could put you on the right track.if you google her name and nra you should get her email or a phone number.

Aelfric

It's a lovely piece of craftwork, and must have taken an age to punch all of that intricate decoration onto the reverse. My instinct (and 19 years field experience) suggests late 19th/early 20th century, possibly as late as 1930s. It has a slight Art-Deco feel to it.

Still, it's a nice find.

Medievalist

It looks mold-pressed. I agree with Aelfric on the date (though I'm no expert on that era). It's a beautiful brooch. Does she ever wear it? It's very pretty.

hamsterboy

Hey Guys
Thanks for all your comments and input.
I have forwarded the pics on Mary's recommendation to the National Museum
My GF was very close to her grandmother and she gave her the broock shortly before she died.
My GF was considering using some of the designs on the piece to design a tattoo, kind of a tribute to her gran who she loved.
Anyway, the search goes on but either way its priceless to her.

HB

Medievalist

A tattoo based on the design is a lovely idea! So personal.