Victorian Vulcanite Brooch With Patent Stamp - Original

Rare mid-Victorian era Vulcanite brooch with patent stamp. Brooch is quite large & stamped on the back MANTON'S PATENT with two Swans. Has a line/mark/crack on the side which doesn't go through to the back. Light age related wear. Measures 2" x 1.75, with period correct tube hinge and "c' clasp closure. Manton's was the company in England that also manufactured buttons for the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War.

The death of Prince Albert in England, and the over 500,000 deaths of soldiers in the American Civil War elevated mourning to an art form in both the United States and Europe and mourning jewelry was an integral part of the dress of the mourner.

Vulcanite was produced by treating natural or India rubber with sulfur, then exposing it to moderate heat. The resultant material was elastic enough to be fashioned into the desired shape while warm, but became hard and durable once cooled. Developed by Charles Goodyear (1800–1860) in 1836 and patented by him in 1844, vulcanization revolutionized the rubber industry. Contemporary passion for innovation fueled interest in Vulcanite jewelry, and vulcanite was an affordable alternative to more expensive jet pieces.

Take a look at my other original Victorian brooches! http://www.etsy.com/shop/victoriansentiments?section_id=7179660