British Sterling Silver Animal Figural Brooch with Birmingham Assay Marks
Jewelry (Brooch) · Maker's mark 'AN' stamped on a British silver piece, likely associated with a regional silversmith or manufacturing company operating within the UK jurisdiction under standard assay office regulations.
Pattern: Unattributed figural or novelty design, standard production line typical of mid-20th-century British jewelry workshops.
Type
Jewelry (Brooch)
Maker
Maker's mark 'AN' stamped on a British silver piece, likely associated with a regional silversmith or manufacturing company operating within the UK jurisdiction under standard assay office regulations.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), as indicated by the explicit '925' purity mark alongside traditional British standard marks.
Dimensions
Standard small brooch size, approximately 3 to 5 cm in length, weighing an estimated 5 to 15 grams depending on solid cast thickness.
Description
This charming British sterling silver brooch showcases detailed figural casting, authenticated by a complete series of Birmingham assay marks. The reverse displays crisp, deeply struck hallmarks including the maker's mark 'AN', the Birmingham anchor, the lion passant, and the date letter 'M', alongside an explicit '925' purity stamp. The textured surface gives it an organic, tactile quality typical of mid-century novelty silver jewelry.
Key Features
Complete and legible British hallmark cluster, explicit 925 purity stamp, Birmingham anchor assay mark, and distinct figural cast design.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), as indicated by the explicit '925' purity mark alongside traditional British standard marks.
Finish & Decoration
Textured cast surface with high-relief figural modeling, retaining a slightly oxidized or unpolished finish in recessed areas to accentuate dimensional details.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British hallmark group including maker's mark 'AN' in a shaped shield, Birmingham assay office anchor mark, lion passant sterling standard mark, date letter 'M' indicating the specific assay year, and a separate '925' purity stamp.
Construction Details
Cast construction utilizing lost-wax or sand-casting methods, featuring a soldered pin stem and C-catch or safety roll-over clasp mechanism on the reverse side.
Functional Features
Wearable figural brooch featuring a functional pin stem, hinge, and secure clasp mechanism for attachment to garments.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable to this jewelry item; features an integrated pin-back mechanism.
Craftsmanship Details
Good quality casting with sharp relief details, secure soldering of the pin mechanism, and clearly struck, authentic official hallmarks.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are deeply and evenly struck into the metal surface with correct punch shapes, matching expected Birmingham assay office styles, and showing natural age-appropriate tarnish and micro-scratches.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Birmingham, England, adhering to the stringent testing and hallmarking standards of the British Assay Office.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century, consistent with post-war British assay conventions and date letter styles.
Age Estimate
Circa mid-20th century, identifiable through the specific date letter 'M' style and combined standard hallmarks.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the popularity of small sterling silver novelty and figural jewelry in mid-century Britain, often worn as lapel pins or dress accessories.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with expected surface wear, minor tarnish, and a structurally sound pin mechanism. Overall grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $45 to $120 USD, heavily dependent on the specific animal subject, collector demand for the maker, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft microfibered polishing cloth or specialized liquid silver cleaner, avoiding harsh dips that might strip the intentionally oxidized recesses. Store in a dry, anti-tarnish pouch.
Similar Pieces
Contemporary British sterling animal brooches and novelty pins by makers such as C. Horner or various Birmingham silversmiths active in the mid-1900s.
Interesting Facts
British hallmarking laws are among the oldest consumer protection laws in the world, dating back to the 14th century, ensuring that every piece stamped can be accurately traced to its assay office and year of testing.