Topic: Hat pin with pull-ups and aventurine

[Bernard C]

See three images, two with click image to enlarge feature, on GlassGallery

Diameter ½" 1.3cm, total length 10" 25.3cm.   Note both imperial measurements are exact, a good indication that it was made in or for the British or perhaps the US market.

The pin is in reasonable condition with its original point (now safely tucked away in a cork).   I think it is plated steel, and has some patches of dark corrosion.   The joining piece looks like gilt brass.

The ball is a pale blue opal, rather like Sowerby's Turquoise, with pulled up (or down) loops of white opal, dark blue, green, ruby, and bubbly aventurine worked into the surface.   Because the colours are complete "U"s, I can't see how this could have been made from a surface coloured cane chopped into sections, so probably was individually made.   There's a lot of work in this tiny ball.

I presume it's Victorian or Edwardian.

I think this is the first hat pin on the GMB.   Any information most welcome.

Thanks for your interest.

Bernard C.