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ID #SA1119472
FOR SALE
£420
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Antique 15 Carat Gold Swallow Brooch
For sale by J. McCarthy Ltd
for sale €491     $533
£420

J. McCarthy Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
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Id #SA1119472
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Antique 15 Carat Gold Swallow Brooch

19th century
For Sale by J. McCarthy Ltd
Description

Historically worn as a symbol of successful voyage during Victorian times. Swallow rings, brooches and other jewellery were worn as a symbol of love and a safe return. This sweet example is made of 15ct yellow gold and comes with a safety chain.

Dimensions: 45mm X 25mm

Declaration

J. McCarthy Ltd has dated this Antique Gold Swallow Brooch to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1119472
Description
Historically worn as a symbol of successful voyage during Victorian times. Swallow rings, brooches and other jewellery were worn as a symbol of love and a safe return. This sweet example is made of 15ct yellow gold and comes with a safety chain.

Dimensions: 45mm X 25mm

Date of Manufacture

J. McCarthy Ltd has dated this Antique Gold Swallow Brooch to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1119472
J. McCarthy Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the J. McCarthy Ltd Profile Page

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An antique 15 carat gold brooch shaped as a flying swallow with a safety chain attachment.
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Archive I An antique 15 carat gold brooch shaped as a flying swallow with a safety chain attachment.

Antique 15 Carat Gold Swallow Brooch

Archive II An antique 15 carat gold brooch shaped as a flying swallow with a safety chain attachment. View II
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J. McCarthy Ltd
Telephone 07833 785857
Location
49 Maddox Street
Mayfair
London
W1S 2PQ
United Kingdom

Opening times
Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jmccarthy
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 17
Items Sold 24
J. McCarthy Ltd
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: 49 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2PQ, United Kingdom, , Opening times, Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/jmccarthy
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
17
Sold
24
An antique 15 carat gold brooch shaped as a flying swallow with a safety chain attachment.
Antique 15 Carat Gold Swallow Brooch
Ref: SA1119472
An antique 15 carat gold brooch shaped as a flying swallow with a safety chain attachment.
Detail View 1
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectBrooches
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • Material15 Carat Gold, Gold
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsSwallow in flight, safety chain, pin stem

This Victorian brooch depicts a swallow in flight, formed from fifteen-carat yellow gold. The piece shows a detailed bird shape with outstretched wings, a forked tail, a small dark eye, and an attached safety chain terminating in a pin fastener. The surface displays a warm yellow gold tone with natural ageing marks visible across the metal components. Historically worn to symbolise a safe return and successful voyage, this item measures 45 mm by 25 mm. Today, this accessory can be worn as a decorative fastening on garments such as lapels, scarves, or collars. It suits daily wear or special occasions when styled on vintage or contemporary clothing. The piece integrates easily into a jewellery collection as a wearable piece of Victorian metalwork.

FAQs

In Victorian and Edwardian jewellery, swallows were popular motifs symbolising fidelity, love, and a safe return home, often given as tokens to loved ones embarking on journeys.

These pieces were crafted from 15 carat yellow gold, a standard British gold purity used between 1854 and 1932, frequently featuring steel or gold pin fittings and attached safety chains.

Authentic British pieces typically feature a 15ct stamp or hallmark, tube hinges, elongated pin stems that extend past the body of the brooch, and original safety chains.

An antique brooch can be styled by securing it to a tailored coat lapel, fastening a silk scarf, attaching it to a velvet collar, or positioning it on a fabric handbag.

Clean gently using warm water with mild liquid soap and a soft toothbrush, drying thoroughly before storing separately in a fabric-lined jewellery box to prevent surface scratches.
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