Antique c1890s French Hallmarked Silver Provence Cicada Bug Brooch Pin in Box

Cicada Bug Brooch Pin in Box. A much sought after, stunningly detailed, cicada brooch in French hallmarked silver. Popularised in the Provence region of France where they are thought to bring luck and good fortune and, given how much even a silver plated one can fetch today, if you own one you are certainly fortunate. These brooches are so lifelike they could almost fly away (see photos).

42mm, this piece has been hallmarked with a boars head mark on the wing, a French mark to show it is 800 grade silver or above and dates between 1838 and 1962. We know from our research that these particular pieces were produced from 1880s to early 1900s. Judging by the use of a barrel hinged pin over more modern styles we have seen, we would date this to be an early piece from the Victorian period rather than later Edwardian ones. In near perfect condition for a piece of this age, there is a slight bend in the wing but doesn't affect the brooch's overall appearance and is one of the best examples of this design we have seen. Presented in an original period, leather and velvet, jeweller's gift box in beautifully aged condition showing signs of wear commensurate with age (see photos).

This item is in the category "Jewellery & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewellery\Brooches & Pins". The seller is "bruton_and_son" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Base Metal: Fine Silver
Metal: Silver
Item Length: 42mm
Vintage: Yes
Era: Victorian (1837-1901)
Country/Region of Manufacture: France
Colour: Silver
Year Manufactured: Pre-1920
Shape: cicada
Jewellery Department: Fine
Brand: Unbranded
Country of Origin: France
Antique: Yes
Metal Purity: 800
Theme: Animals & Insects
Type: Brooch
Original/Reproduction: Original