Antique Silver-Tone MIZPAH Horseshoe Brooch Scottish Thistle Sentimental Pin UK

MIZPAH pieces — named for the Hebrew word meaning "watchtower" — were exchanged as sentimental love tokens, most often between couples or friends parting ways.

This horseshoe brooch carries the MIZPAH mark on the back, flanked by the two-hearts symbol, and features thistle sprigs curling from the open end of the shoe — a distinctly Scottish reading of the form. The centre stone is prong-set in an open-backed setting, a construction detail more consistent with natural stone than with glass paste.

The design draws directly from the late Victorian and Edwardian tradition of Scottish sentimental jewelry, though the silver-tone base metal suggests a later period of manufacture, most likely mid-to-late 20th century.

It reads well on a coat lapel or jacket collar — substantial enough to hold its own but compact at 3 cm across. The horseshoe silhouette works as a standalone piece; it doesn't need company.

Details

• Type: Brooch
• Era: Antique-style reproduction, Victorian MIZPAH tradition — circa 1970s–1990s
• Material: Silver-tone metal
• Stones: Centre stone, amber-tone, prong-set open-back setting (possibly citrine or topaz — unconfirmed)
• Size: 3 × 3 cm
• Weight: 15 g
• Marked: Yes — "MIZPAH" with two-hearts symbol stamped on reverse
• Closure: C-clasp (safety-pin style), functioning
• Style: Figural, sentimental, Scottish

Condition

Excellent · Stone intact, clasp functions smoothly, no chips or surface damage visible.

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