Antique Victorian to early 20th century brooch. Silver and gold. Made in France late 19th to early 20th century.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman
Measurements:
Weight is 14.1 grams. Length is a little over 3 inches (slightly under 8 cm).
Description :
The brooch depicts a silver bird in flight, its legs drawn up under its body, winged outstretched and twisting around to look back over its shoulder. Highly realistic chasing and modelling - each feather is individually portrayed, we see a minute protruding eye and a beak in gold. Gold feet are webbed and also detailed, so we think it is a kind of duck. Modelled detail continues all the way around this 3-dimentional miniature sculpture.
The pin is intended to be removable and screw off. The brooch could be worn in other forms, such as a pendant or even part of a tiara or other hair ornament. Possibly to stand as a tiny sculpture on a table or display cabinet. Any other fittings are long lost, but we have the intriguing remnants of a luxury trend from long ago.
Marks and Metal:
MELLERIO DITS MELLER 9. PAIX PARIS engraved on the pin. There is a hallmark on the back of the right wing which we cannot read.
9 Paix Paris refers to Rue de la Paix, the famous luxury jewelry street in Paris. Mellerio moved to Rue de la Paix in the early 19th century and operated from that address during key periods of their history.
Condition:
Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
Mellerio dits Meller is one of the oldest jewelry houses in the world, a Parisian jewelry house founded in 1613 and renowned for creating exquisitely crafted jewels and objets d’art for European royalty. Their work is known for refined artistry, inventive design, and a long tradition of transformable pieces.
Transformable jewelry was ingeniously designed to be worn in multiple ways such as a brooch that becomes a pendant, part of a tiara, a hair ornament or even a table ornament. It was especially popular in 19th ‑ early‑20th century high jewelry, where versatility and mechanical creativity were marks of true luxury.
