The Recorded Image Project

A curated archive of historical photographs, letters, and material culture from the 17th through early 20th centuries.

Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch

Jewelry

A textbook piece for the turn-of-the-century refinement phase—lighter, more graceful than earlier Victorian jewelry, but not yet Art Deco.

Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch - Image 2 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch – Image 2 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch - Image 3 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch – Image 3 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch - Image 4 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch – Image 4 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch - Image 5 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch – Image 5
Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch - Image 2 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch - Image 3 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch - Image 4 Late Victorian to early Edwardian bar brooch - Image 5

Brooch

Victorian

Late Victorian

Early Edwardian

circa 1895 – circa 1910

Victorian

Edwardian

Most likely United States or Britain. This exact style was: widely produced by American firms sold through catalogs and jewelers marketed as fashionable but affordable It’s respectable, not costume.

Central bar: Celluloid or early plastic “ivoryoid”, not bone or ivory Perfectly smooth, uniform white tone No grain or Schreger lines (rules out ivory) This material became popular after ~1890 as a hygienic, modern substitute for natural materials. Metal: Gilt brass or low-grade silver alloy Pierced and die-formed, then hand-finished Stones: Small paste (glass) stones, foil-backed Set into bezels at the midpoint and ends for balance Construction & Hardware Riveted or pressure-fit celluloid bar (not glued) Tube hinge on one end C-style catch on the other Steel pin stem All details are consistent with pre-1915 manufacture.

Very Good

Feb 5, 2026

Celluloid intact Paste stones present and bright Filigree not bent or crushed Pin mechanism functional

Description

This slender bar brooch features a pale celluloid inlay framed by pierced metalwork and accented with small paste stones. Jewelry incorporating early plastics such as celluloid reflects turn-of-the-century innovation, offering hygienic, lightweight alternatives to natural materials while maintaining refined decorative appeal.