Up for sale is an exceptional, premium-tier antique Victorian / Art Nouveau sterling silver clothes brush (or hat/pocket brush) produced by the highly collectible American silversmiths Foster & Bailey. This piece stands out dramatically from standard vanity items due to the inclusion of a massive, deeply faceted, genuine natural amethyst gemstone mounted as a focal accent on the finger-grip handle.
About the Prestigious Maker:
Foster & Bailey, Founded in 1878 in Providence, Rhode Island—the historic heart of the American silver and jewelry industry—Foster & Bailey (later Theodore W. Foster & Bros.) was renowned for creating ultra-luxurious, elite vanity ware, jewelry, and dressing table sets. Their items were sold through high-end boutiques and are fiercely sought after by silver collectors today for their superior craftsmanship, exceptionally detailed repoussé metalwork, and rare gemstone-embellished accents.
Official Hallmarks & IdentifiersMaker's Mark:
Stamped with the official F&B initials nestled inside a right-waving flag/pennant emblem.
Pattern Number: Stamped with factory design code "1049". "1250" Jeweler Marks: Features faint, historic hand-etched inventory script underneath the rim from a vintage jeweler servicing.
Silver Casing: Excellent antique condition. The repoussé floral work is crisp and detailed with light, honest age-related patina. No major dents, splits, or repairs. The Amethyst Stone: The large amethyst is securely bezel-set and retains sharp, brilliant facet lines. It passed the temperature test perfectly. Please note: There is a small, historic impact chip/flea-bite on one of the upper facets (clearly shown in the macro/loupe photo). This is entirely consistent with an antique utility piece that saw use on a Victorian dressing table and does not threaten the structural integrity of the stone. Bristles: Outstanding, rare condition. The natural bristle bed is remarkably dense, clean, firmly seated, and intact with no rot and minimal to no shedding.
This item will be packed with utmost care and shipped securely with full tracking. International buyers are very welcome! Please examine all macro photos carefully as they form part of the description.