Victorian mourning brooch of a hand holding a basket of fruit. From the 1800s, It is beautifully detailed with the wrist showing a lacy cuff and a bracelet. It is made of vulcanite. The back has the original clasp and what looks like the mark, Pat no. 3123.

It measures 2" long and 1 1/8" tall.

The introduction of Vulcanite, also known as Ebonite or hard rubber, was the next phase in the evolution of plastics. Vulcanite is derived from natural rubber which is hardened through the addition of sulphur. Vulcanized rubber was patented in the mid 1840’s: in Britain by Thomas Hancock and in the U. S. by Charles Goodyear. During the Victorian period Vulcanite was used in a wide variety of household products such as fountain pens, candlesticks and telephones; it is still being used today for a variety of industrial and household purposes. Vulcanite, like gutta-percha, is naturally dark in color making it an ideal choice for use in mourning jewelry. Vulcanite is always molded; therefore, a Vulcanite locket will always display a clean interior design.

In good condition.

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage boutique in Los Angeles, CA.