Victorian pinchbeck and carved bone stag brooch
Victorian pinchbeck and carved bone stag brooch
6275
A large Victorian pinchbeck brooch with ornate frame surrounding a carved bone plaque depicting a highland stag, circa 1850.
Pinchbeck is a type of metal alloy that resembles gold, created in the 18th century by English watchmaker Christopher Pinchbeck. Composed of copper and zinc, it was designed as an affordable alternative to gold, commonly used in jewellery and timepieces.
Unlike brass, pinchbeck closely mimics the appearance of gold, making it popular for high-quality imitation pieces. However, its use declined with the advent of electroplating, which provided a more authentic gold finish.
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