Antique Victorian very finely carved brooch / pin. This carving was usually done in Dieppe, France, known for it's fine craftsmanship. Circa 1850-80.

Measures 1 15/16 inch accross length.

The center of the brooch is carved with a depiction of Pliny's doves - well known scene of 3 pigeons perched on a wide vase or urn. The vignette is surrounded by

interwoven vines and leaves as well as a minutely carved background of fernlike foliage. The carving is exquisitely done - 3 dimentional and complex, the vines

twining over and around one another, with levels behind levels of interest.

Very fine detail, showing the veins of the grape leaves.

It appears that the pin is the original, which is longer than usual and indicative of a very early piece. Age is also seen in the great patina, acquired over about

150 years.

Condition is very good with one tiny piece missing - almost impossible to find unless you are determined to look for it.

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