53mm x 33mm

A very rare Antique Brooch by Martin Mayer dating to pre1900 set in 925 silver with what appears to be blue topaz.



Observations: 4 missing marcasites.

Please note the image of the hallmark is an example I couldn't photograph the hallmark clearly but it is the same. However, the makers mark does preceed the 925 on the brooch.


Martin Mayer (born 1835 in Mainz) founded the firm in 1888. The factory was located at Bauhofstraße 2, Mainz (image). The next owner was his son Bernhard Albert Mayer (1866 – 1947). Martin Mayer (Bernhard`s youngest son) was born 15. August 1914. He took over the family business 1. April 1934. During his visit to the Netherlands in 1938 he was informed that the factory was confiscated by Nazi government. Martin Mayer never returned to Germany but proceeded to England. His parents immigrated to Argentina.
In regard of dating the marks (there were several variants): MM initials with Mainz wheel and star was used roughly before 1900 because it cannot be found on Jugendstil jewelry and silverware; ``wheel and star`` mark without MM is seen instead.
Embossed roses (die stamped) are seen both in jewelry and hollowware are often erroneously described as Jugendstil because they lack typical Art Nouveau elements (wavy lines, very stylized floral and geometric elements ).


PLEASE NOTE: FAO VEGAN CUSTOMERS.

This does not apply to all my listings only fragile items. But I am adding a note generally. When packing fragile items, I sometimes (not always) recycle (donated from friends and family) packaging from a well known fresh food producer for pets. This is in the form of sheep wool. Rather than throw this away I use it for fragile items in transit. This wool can also be further recycled for use within your garden for composting and keeping plants warm during winter. If this is an issue for you and you would rather I do not use it in your parcel, please let me know as I don't wish to offend anyone. If you prefer I use an alternative I also use capok which is sourced from seed pods and also a synthetic hollow fibre filling. With Best Wishes x