Antique British 9K Rose Gold Scalloped Brooch by Herbert Bushell & Son
Brooch/Pin (Victorian/Edwardian Scalloped Style) · Rose Gold. The alloy features a high copper content, resulting in a warm, pinkish-red hue characteristic of the era and British manufacturing.
Purity: 9K (375 fineness). This indicates a gold content of 37.5%, a standard purity for British jewelry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, prized for its durability.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Victorian/Edwardian Scalloped Style)
Purity
9K (375 fineness). This indicates a gold content of 37.5%, a standard purity for British jewelry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, prized for its durability.
Gold Type
Rose Gold. The alloy features a high copper content, resulting in a warm, pinkish-red hue characteristic of the era and British manufacturing.
Weight
Estimated 3.0 to 5.0 grams. Given the thin, stamped nature of the reverse plate and scalloped edges, the item is likely lightweight for comfort on delicate fabrics.
Description
A fine example of early 20th-century British gold craftsmanship, this rose gold brooch features a classic scalloped edge design. The reverse is fully hallmarked, providing a clear pedigree of its origin in Birmingham's famous Jewelry Quarter. The warm copper tones of the 9K gold suggest a piece intended for daily elegance during the transition from the Victorian to Edwardian era.
Key Features
Distinctive scalloped 'cloud' edge, precise Birmingham Assay Office hallmarks, and the recognizable 'HB&S' maker's stamp.
Color & Finish
Deep rose/coppery gold with a mellowed antique patina. The reverse shows a brushed or planished finish with visible surface abrasions and fine scratching consistent with age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The item features a complete set of British hallmarks including: 'HB&S' (Maker's mark for Herbert Bushell & Son), '.375' (Gold purity), an anchor (Birmingham assay office), and a date letter 'b' in a shield (Likely 1901 based on font and shield shape).
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 25mm to 35mm in diameter. The scalloped edges suggest a medium-sized decorative pin suitable for a lapel or collar.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible on the reverse; the front likely features Victorian engraving, a small focal gemstone (seed pearl or garnet), or a photo locket compartment.
Clasp & Closure
Not visible in the crop, but typically features a 'C' clasp and a simple hinged pin stem typical of the Edwardian period. May lack a safety catch.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; however, the scalloped border is achieved through precision stamping and hand-finishing of the metal edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped base with hand-applied finishing. The hallmarks are struck with high-quality steel dies, showing the regulation and precision of the UK assay system in the 1900s.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a full set of recessed British hallmarks (Maker, Purity, Assay Office, Date) is the gold standard for authentication. The color and wear are perfectly consistent with 100+ year old 9K gold.
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom (Birmingham). Produced by Herbert Bushell & Son, a prolific manufacturing jeweler active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early Edwardian (circa 1900-1910). The hallmark style and the use of 9K rose gold were highly prevalent in the West Midlands jewelry trade during this time.
Age Estimate
Circa 1901. Based on the Birmingham 'b' date letter and the known activity years of the Herbert Bushell firm.
Cultural Significance
Such brooches were often given as 'sweetheart' gifts or tokens of affection, representing the boom in accessible luxury during the British industrial height.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. The reverse shows expected micro-scratches and minor dings. The hallmarks remain crisp and legible, which is excellent for an item of this age.
Value Estimate
Melt value is low (roughly $80-$120 depending on weight), but the collector value as an antique British hallmarked piece puts the retail price between $175 and $300.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a soft jewelry cloth and warm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the front contains seed pearls or delicate settings. Store separately to prevent the pin stem from scratching other items.
Similar Items
Chester-hallmarked 9K pins, Victorian 'Mizpah' brooches, or 15K gold Edwardian bar pins. The 9K version is more durable but has lower gold value than 15K or 18K counterparts.
Interesting Facts
9-karat gold was legalized for use in Britain in 1854 to allow the middle class to afford gold jewelry, making it the most common purity for Victorian and Edwardian sentimental pieces.