- Description
- Specifications
A large and wonderful signed 'WHEATLEY CARLISLE' antique Aberdeen granite brooch from the mid Victorian era, c1850! Made of sterling silver the brooch features Aberdeen granite segments throughout the design. The mottled greyish white mixed with salmon pink granite was sourced from Scotland's Aberdeen city (aka 'The granite city'!) in the Rubislaw quarry in the 19th century. The regal circular design depicts a six-sided profile slightly raised in the centre with six trefoil terminals, each inlaid with Aberdeen granite segments and elaborate hand engraved patterns adorn the silver surface. The circular border has Aberdeen granite segments which are inter-spaced with six pretty floret hand-engraved motifs.
The back of the brooch reveals a plaque signed 'WHEATLEY CARLISLE'; Thomas Wheatley was based in the North of England, Carlisle (close to the Scottish border) and traded as a silversmith then later into a retail jewellery store until around 1860. The piece was likely retailed by Thomas Wheatley's retail store 'Wheatley Carlisle' in the mid 19th century. A pin and c-loop is attached to the back, as well as a small ring which is typically used for a safety chain, albeit today it could be utilized for a loop to attach a ring from and be worn as a pendant.
A special piece of Scottish history, very wearable in today's fashion and would look rather regal on a collar ... or pendant on your favorite silver chain!