HANDY BROOCH (NANNY BROOCH)

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Overview

Brooch, consisting of a hollow tube with screw out ends.
The ends are round and come with threaded shafts, one shaft is small - 8mm, the other is 33cm long. This shaft is hollow to contain needles and has brown and cream thread wrapped around and along it.
The front of the tube has a raised motif attached to it in a fleur-de-lys pattern with a central crystalline marble stone (probably synthetic "goldstone") set in a diamond shape. This is secured by a small arms.
The clasp is at the rear of the tube.

Historical information

The "Nanny brooch" is based on a design dating from the 1880’s. As the name suggests, it was often worn by the nanny as a traditional brooch when she was out with the children. If they tore a hole or seam in their clothing, repairs could quickly be made thanks to the hollow section in the centre that contained needle and thread.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-37-2000.80

Item type

Objects

Material

Brass

Inscriptions and markings

S.Gesch

Contextual Information

Goldstone is made from a mixture of silica, copper oxide and various melted minerals. These materials get melted with low-oxygen and when they cool down, copper crystals reflect from one another and produce a metallic sparkle. There are a variety of goldstone types, from purple to brown. The glass used during the creation of goldstone will determine its final colouring. Red-Brown Goldstone is the classic depiction of goldstone, which has copper colouring and gold-like metallic sparkles

Statement of significance

Historic:
Condition:

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Links to additional resources

https://www.gemrockauctions.com/learn/did-you-know/goldstone-real-gemstone-or-m…

Shire of Toodyay

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