Antique Silver 'Mary' Name Brooch, Chester 1897

A charming and crisply made antique silver name brooch, hallmarked Chester 1897, with the name "MARY" in bold raised lettering set within a shaped cartouche framed by engraved foliate sprays, a hatched decorative border, and small ball terminals at each end. Name brooches of this type were a popular Victorian gift — personal, affordable, and beautifully made — and the Chester assay office was known for the quality of its small silver wares. This example is particularly well-preserved, the lettering sharp and the engraving clean.

At 44mm the brooch has good presence and wears well on a lapel or collar. Condition is excellent throughout. A sweet and collectible piece of Victorian sentimental silver with obvious appeal to anyone named Mary — or anyone drawn to the period.

Details

• Metal: Silver
• Hallmarks: Full Chester hallmarks, 1897
• Origin: Chester, UK
• Era: Victorian, 1897
• Design: Raised "MARY" lettering, shaped cartouche, engraved foliate sprays, hatched border, ball terminals
• Dimensions: 44mm x 14mm
• Weight: 3g
• Condition: Excellent