Dated 1811, Engraved Antique Georgian Era 10k Gold and Seed Pearl Mourning Pin, Brooch

“Dorothy Combes, died 12 Nov. 1811, aged 83” is engraved on this elegant and largish mourning pin. Georgian era, one can almost conjure an image of her in her time and fashion. A lock of her plaited gray hair must have once filled the aperture where we now see a piece of gray-blue fabric, instead. Or, perhaps it is a bit of her favorite dress or scarf. Full measurements noted on the photos.

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. It’s 215 years old, from a time when a lock of hair would have been all that was left to remember a loved one, unless an artist could be afforded to paint a miniature of a likeness. That was mostly left to the nobles at that time, though. As you can see, I didn’t do any polishing of the gold, but you can to bring it to a higher gold shine. It is 10k and that means some tarnish over time. Barrel hinge and c-clamp, seems it might have had to have a repair at some time very long ago. Very sturdy. I think there is a rough place on the cover glass, most visible in the photo of it a bit from the side. Not deep, it would polish out beautifully, or not be much visible even as it is.