Antique Victorian Silver Grape Brooch (Prior to c. 1888)

This Victorian brooch is possibly German as it is hallmarked 13 1/4.

That represents the German way of assaying silver prior to 1888.

The Loth system divided silver into 16 parts. 16/16 for pure silver 15=.937 14=.875 13=.812 12=.750 This brooch, hallmarked 13 1/4, would have 828/1000 purity of silver.

This hallmarking and assay system was used up until 1888, so this brooch was made prior to that date.

The grape cluster of the brooch would take inspiration from the Greek God Dionysus (Roman equivalent is Bacchus) who is the God of grape harvest, winemaking, fertility and merrymaking. He would be best known in the myth for being the God who had given Midas his famous golden touch.

This brooch would look stunning pinned to the base of a bouquet as it would be a lovely little antique trinket and become the "something old".

However whether one uses this brooch for a trip down the aisle, or on a smart blazer in a boardroom, this brooch could give your outfit that golden touch that even Midas would envy.