My favourite vintage find this week is this mysterious little rhinestone pin. I love it when I come across something unusual and it gives me an excuse to do get stuck into some research.
This is what has got me curious - its back. It is like two opposing prongs, which I've never seen before. It's possible it is missing some other part - nothing seams obviously broken though. I suppose some sort of tube that slid across the prongs to secure it might have made it less easy to spike yourself on! The strange fastening does manage to keep it attached to a coat though. My research hasn't yet shed any light on this type of pin back - if you have ever come across something similar I'd love to know!
My research has got me somewhere though, there are two extremely tiny hallmarks on the underside of the feet, and with the help of some zooming in Photoshop, I've managed to work out they are French. One is a silver guarantee mark and the other is the maker's mark. I haven't discerned the maker yet, but I'm hoping that will help me date it. I think from its design it could well be Art Deco.
So the mystery remains unsolved for now, but I'm sure I'll get there. Even without knowing much about it, I can still appreciate its craftsmanship and the beauty of the design.
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