Rare Antique Scottish Silver Jasper & Bloodstone Stick Pin, Original Case c1870

Jasper and bloodstone are opaque varieties of Chalcedony they are usually multi-coloured and always patterned in a unique way. Jasper varies in colour, this example is a subtly mottled reddish brown. The very dark bluish-green bloodstone is spattered with red spots resembling blood.

This Victorian Scottish Silver St Andrews Cross stick pin was produced in the late 19th century, between 1860 and 1880. It features a stylised representation of the flag of the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew, and was part of the popular trend of Scottish jewellery that emerged when Queen Victoria acquired Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The area saw a rise in tourism and the reproduction of many artefacts, including horn beakers. Local stones like jasper and agate, which were found in nearby river beds, were often used in the creation of this jewellery, resulting in unique colour combinations and attractive designs that continue to appeal to collectors worldwide.

The stick pin is topped with a shield that has been set with jasper and bloodstone filling the quarters created by the cross of St Andrew. All of the framing elements are beautifully engraved.  The shield has been made using a much better gauge of silver than you normally find on such pieces and is fixed to the pin in two places, rather than the top. The pin is in good order, it is straight and sharp, with a grove circling the mid-section, this allows for a better grip of the fabric. The pin displays the highest level of craftsmanship.

The pin is in excellent antique condition, it measures approx. 7.4cm in length including the shield, the shield is1.9cm by 1.7cm at the widest point. The pin weighs 2.3g. There are no maker marks, this not unusual for such pieces.

The stick pin is in the original dark burgundy leather covered presentation case with gilt accents. It has green interior, with silk lining in the lid and velvet covered fittings to the base. There are scuffs externally, the push button catch and hinge are in good order. Internally the condition is excellent. The box measures approx. 8.7cm including the button, by 2.8cm by 2.5cm.

A rare collectable pin that would make a wonderful gift for a Scottish gentleman!

Please see pictures for more details.

Thanks for looking and Happy Bidding!

Recycled packaging is used as much as possible.

I am always happy to combine postage, all I ask if you let me know if you are bidding on more than one item within a few days of each other. I will pack and weigh the items together and get the best possible price that I can, sometimes weight or value might dictate that I send multiple parcels to get a better value for you.