Royston
22nd December 2010, 08:57 AM
It used to be possible to pick these up at antique fairs for next to nothing. Not so any more.
I always used to buy them whenever I saw one.
Most are silver, some hallmarked.
It amazes me that someone went to a lot of trouble with these to accurately copy the originals while others are pure imagination.
Why were they worn ? Some sort of souvenirs I suppose.
Most are broaches although I think a couple are small letter openers and the European swords are likely to be skirt pins.
Most of the broaches have blades and can be drawn from the scabbards. The chains are to prevent loss.
The axe is brass and I am assuming it came from a temperance movement as the caption is " Death to Rum " ( As a man who spends half his life at sea I find this a horrible idea !! )
Anyone else sad enough to collect these ? :D
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Roy
I always used to buy them whenever I saw one.
Most are silver, some hallmarked.
It amazes me that someone went to a lot of trouble with these to accurately copy the originals while others are pure imagination.
Why were they worn ? Some sort of souvenirs I suppose.
Most are broaches although I think a couple are small letter openers and the European swords are likely to be skirt pins.
Most of the broaches have blades and can be drawn from the scabbards. The chains are to prevent loss.
The axe is brass and I am assuming it came from a temperance movement as the caption is " Death to Rum " ( As a man who spends half his life at sea I find this a horrible idea !! )
Anyone else sad enough to collect these ? :D
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Roy