1840s Berlin Iron Fly Brooch
A striking antique brooch dating from the mid 19th century, circa 1840. Its formed from Berlin Iron, an unusual example in that it hasn't been made in the neoclassical or gothic revival style - rather, it's a naturalistic take on the common housefly. Three flies rest on little domed pedestals, the middle one (possibly by design) can spin around so that they can be all orientated in the same direction, or not.
Berlin Iron jewellery is instantly recognisable for its stark, black appearance, created by applying a lacquer to the surface of sand-cast iron components. The early pieces were often created in the popular neoclassical style, incorporating scenes and motifs from ancient Greek and Roman mythology, but eventually these were superseded by an intricate Gothic Revival aesthetic that was, presumably, thought to be better suited to the black metal. Production can be traced back to the establishment of the Königliche Eisengiesserei bei Berlin or Royal Berlin Foundry in 1804 (although very similar techniques were being used in France earlier than this). It's popularity was given a significant boost during Napoleon's infamous European campaign, when the Prussian empire - having exhausted much of its state wealth on the war effort - began to raise further funds by swapping iron jewellery for gold and silver jewellery donated by its citizens. The iron jewellery was often inscribed with the words “Ich gab geld um Eisen” (“I gave gold for iron"), and it wearing such pieces was regarded as a patriotic act.
Era: Early Victorian, circa 1840
Size: 11mm by 41mm
Marks: None
Condition: Great antique condition, light wear consistent with age including small areas of loss to the lacquer - see images
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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