Featured brass Winged Maiden/Maid of Erin Irish harp brooch(?)

Discussion in 'Jewelry' started by SBSVC, May 29, 2018.

  1. SBSVC

    SBSVC Well-Known Member

    I pretty much know the history of the winged maiden shown here, but what I'm curious about is the brooch or pin itself.

    I know this was purchased in Fredericksburg, VA (home of lots of Irish Brigade Civil War commemorative stuff) in the late 1970's. The pin was not new at that time, but I don't have a clue how old it might be. I imagine it was made to simulate an Irish Brigade Civil War cap badge.

    Can anyone tell, based on the pin on the back or the way it's attached (looks like a glob of solder) when this might have been made? The pin is about 2" tall, 1 3/8" wide, with no markings at all.

    img0 (18).jpg
    img0 (20).jpg
    img0 (22).jpg

    Thanks for any thoughts!
     
    Last edited: May 29, 2018
    KSW, aaroncab, kyratango and 3 others like this.
  2. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    I LOVE the Maiden!!!!!! But the pin and solder sure "look" newer.......
     
  3. SBSVC

    SBSVC Well-Known Member

    Thanks, Aquitaine - I sort of thought so, too, but what do I know???(!)
     
  4. SBSVC

    SBSVC Well-Known Member

    Hope nobody minds if I move this to the top again... Any ideas?
    Thanks again!
     
    KSW and Christmasjoy like this.
  5. Huntingtreasure

    Huntingtreasure Well-Known Member

    Last edited: May 30, 2018
  6. SBSVC

    SBSVC Well-Known Member

    Thanks, Hunting!
     
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  7. moreotherstuff

    moreotherstuff Izorizent

    That's the sloppiest pin attachment I've ever seen. I think amateur work for sure.

    Back in the '80s, a huge number of stamped brass motifs came on the market, all within this size range, and of every description. I used a bunch of them on a glass box I made, but that wasn't even the tip of the iceberg. I thought they were well done, and interesting. A bit sorry I didn't build a little collection. I don't remember this harp motif specifically, but it is of the type, and those things could easily have been turned into pins. It's a possibility.

    z.jpg
     
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  8. Huntingtreasure

    Huntingtreasure Well-Known Member

    I just noticed the second link says hand cast in Virginia.
     
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  9. SBSVC

    SBSVC Well-Known Member

    Sorry to quote myself here, but since I know when & where it was purchased (DH was writing a book about the Irish Brigade at the time) and the one Hunting found is so similar, I'm thinking they've been making these for quite a while & selling them at Civil War battle sites as souvenirs.

    Very possibly cast, originally, from a real Civil War era badge or the like, with a pin then attached to the back. As MOS stated, very sloppy work on the attachment.

    Thanks, everybody. I appreciate the input!
     
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  10. Lance Donaldson

    Lance Donaldson New Member

    These were sold at the Gettysburg gift shop with a much nicer attachment. My band, Cincinnati emerald society pipes and drums have used them for hat badges since inception . Around 2008.
     
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  11. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    Welcome to the Forum, Lance! :)
    Thank you for the additional information.
     
    KSW likes this.
  12. bercrystal

    bercrystal Well-Known Member

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