Antique Silver 'Ellen' Pierced Name Brooch, Birmingham c.1890

A beautifully worked antique silver name brooch, hallmarked Birmingham with a date letter consistent with the 1880s–1900 period, featuring the name "ELLEN" in bold pierced open-work lettering within a circular frame with a finely serrated border. Unlike the simpler raised-letter name brooches of the period, the pierced construction here creates a far more intricate effect — the letters interwoven with engraved foliate sprays and floral motifs that fill the circular field with considerable decorative energy. The result is a brooch with real visual depth and craft.

The reverse shows a minor dent which does not affect the wearing quality of the piece, and the front is in good condition throughout. A distinctive and accomplished piece of Victorian sentimental silver with strong appeal to collectors and to anyone with a connection to the name.

Details

• Metal: Silver
• Hallmarks: Birmingham hallmarks (date letter illegible, c.1880s–1900)
• Origin: Birmingham, UK
• Era: Victorian, c.1890
• Design: Circular pierced open-work "ELLEN" lettering, engraved foliate and floral decoration, serrated border
• Dimensions: 35mm diameter
• Weight: 4.52g
• Condition: Good — minor dent to reverse