Scottish Thistle on sale Brooch

This item is handmade by Beth Miller Hall and cast from a mold taken from an original in her collection. Any minor flaws are consistent with the original item.

Vulcanite was patented in the United States by Charles Goodyear in 1839 and a second, harder version was patented by Nelson Goodyear (his brother) in 1851. It was also patented in England about the same time. Items made of vulcanite and gutta-percha were molded and therefore a large number of duplicate items could be produced in less time and with fewer individual craftsmen than it took to produce jewelry items made from jet. This “mass production” allowed the price of vulcanite jewelry to become more affordable than “handmade” jet pieces. Many pieces of vulcanite items have survived since the 1800's and they have become highly collectible.

Most vulcanite Jewelry items are made in two pieces: a back or base that can be either plain or have an ornate edge and the center medallion or focal point. The focal point is usually secured to the base with small pegs that do not go all the way through the base of the item. Sometimes there is evidence of glue being used in addition to the pegs, but this may be from a later repair. The pin mechanism for the brooch is attached on the back of the base and the point of the pin stem usually extends past the edge of the brooch base.

Because vulcanite items were made in two pieces, it is very common to find the same top or focal point being used on a variety of bases. There seems to be a number of very popular tops that show up very often and not only on brooches but other bases like cuff bracelets, combs and on sale even belt buckles. This leads to speculation that vulcanite items could have been sold in sets.

This brooch is oval-shaped with a beveled edge around. The original came to us with the thistle focal element applied directly to a cuff bracelet.

The thistle has traditionally been used as the symbol of Scotland.

Suitable for mid-Victorian impressions, including middle class, Steampunk and Cosplay participants. This brooch would be suitable for someone that wants to show Scottish leanings.

We ship USPS Priority Mail twice per week. US shipping only at this time.

All sales final. Please ask any questions prior to purchasing.

Thank you for your interest!