Antique SCOTTISH SILVER DIRK SWORD SHIELD KILT PIN Red Stone & Agate VICTORIAN

Description

VICTORIAN ANTIQUE
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SCOTTISH STERLING SILVER
**
**~DIRK SWORD & SHIELD
~**
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RED STONE (JASPER?) & AGATE
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~** KILT PIN BROOCH **~
NO RESERVE!
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SIZE
: This piece measures approximately: 3 & 1/8" in length; 3/4" in height at mid-shield area
~ Weight is approximately
10.3 grams
.
Although this piece does bear a hallmark, I am unsure if it refers to the silver content or not. That said, it has been tested and is
guaranteed
by me to be sterling silver.
DESCRIPTION
:
This auction features a Victorian antique kilt pin. I believe this piece dates from the late 1800s and was likely made in Scotland or England.  It has an overall sword (or dirk) and shield design in what I believe is sterling silver.  The small "shield" on the front bears a deep, red stone. Although I am unclear as to what this stone is, I suspect it may be either red jasper or bloodstone.  Please do understand, though, that this is an educated guess.  There is also a half-dome ball of this same stone toward the top sword "handle," as well.  Finally, there is a a very small piece of what I believe is a small piece of agate inset toward the sword tip (this has more of a mottled green and black coloration).  The back bears a simple c-clasp closure with a pin piece which opens to about a 45 degree angle. I do believe it was purposely made this way, too, as many pieces were back then.  There is a very unusual marking on the back, middle (please see pictures for this). Although I could not find what this marking meant, I do believe it is directly related to either the maker's mark
OR
the silver content.  As noted above, there does not appear to be an obvious silver hallmark; however, I do guarantee the metal to be sterling silver.
Although I do believe this piece has been worn and loved in the past, I also feel it has plenty more years of life and use left in it.  Please do view the pictures as a part of the overall description, as well. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to help.
CONDITION
:
FAIR
~
I am considering the age and use of this item when factoring the condition rating
.
This kilt pin appears to be in Fair condition
for the age and use of it
. It does have some minor age and use wear seen -- mostly in the form of minor surface scratches & definit tarnishing. The scratches are mostly visible under very close inspection (i.e. - magnifying glass or loupe), but I did want to note it for accuracy. As the pictures suggest, the tarnishing is quite dark at this point, too. I'll leave any polishing and/or cleaning to the new owner. The clasp is a simple "c clasp," which opens to about a 45 degree angle. I do believe this further clarifies its age, too.
In looking at the red stone under magnification or a loupe,
I did note a few tiny flea bite slivers around the edges on this stone
.
I don't personally feel this is a major issue, but I did want to note it for accuracy. The above said,  I think -- once it is polished and cleaned -- it will have plenty more years of use and life left in it.
If there is anything I may have missed where the condition is concerned, please feel free to message me and I'll be happy to help. With age and use considered, I would still say this piece rates in Fair condition overall.
AGE/YEAR MADE: I do believe this piece is an antique and likely dates from the mid to late 1800s
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PLEASE READ!
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GENERAL
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*** I do my very best to accurately describe the items I sell her on eBay; listing their imperfections as much as their attributes. I always note flaws so there are no surprises when an item is received. The items I offer are nearly always used, though, and therefore are not in, "mint" condition. In fact, I never use the word mint to describe an item. With that said, please do not misunderstand my sometimes low opening bids. They almost never truly reflect the actual value of any item. In fact, they are priced in such a way because I like to keep with the fun and excitement of an actual auction.
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PAYMENT & SHIPPING
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*** I kindly ask that payment for purchase(s) be made within
5 days
of the close of the auction. Occasionally, I will offer a "Buy It Now" option: in those cases, payment is due as soon as the "Purchase Now" button is chosen. An automatic NPB (Non-Paying Bidder) notification will be sent after the 5th day if payment is not received. Paypal is currently the only form of payment I accept. I am more than happy to combine shipping on items, please just contact me prior to the auction's end. I can then send a combined invoice which will save you some money and me some time! :) Where shipping is concerned, I do my very best to ship items within 1-2 business day after payment is received.
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PURCHASES & RETURNS
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*** I strive to make your buying experience with me as excellent as I can. With that said, please contact me if you are unhappy! I will do everything possible to correct the problem. On nearly all of my items, if you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you are welcome to return it for a full refund within two weeks (14 days) from the day it was received. Return shipping will be paid by the buyer, though. In certain cases, I may sell an item for a close friend of family member that does not belong to me. Those are usually the only instances that I do not allow returns. I figure, if the item does not belong to me, I should allow that decision to be made by the person who does own it.
~ SORRY, I NO LONGER SHIP INTERNATIONALLY! ~