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I'm hoping someone will be able to identify the maker of this brooch and possible age. I don't know if it was made in the U.S. or is European in origin. I lean toward the latter just by its appearance but actually have no idea. Here are pictures of the front and "Sterling I.G" mark on back. All help will he highly appreciated. Thanks very much.




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Hi,
I think that is the facsimile mark of the 18th century Williamsburg, Virginia silversmith and brass & bronze founder, James Geddy. The mark was used on reproductions of his work made in Williamsburg. Below is an example of a a reproduction of a Geddy silver bowl of made by Wm. L. Dematteo in the 50s or 60s that bears the same mark.
The archeological record shows that Geddy cast small mask ornaments in brass & bronze for harness fittings and the like. I would imagine your piece is a sterling repro of one of these. Surprised it does not have any indication, aside from the sterling stamp, to show it is a reproduction.
Regards, Tom


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Thank you very much, Tom, for this interesting information. Do you think there's any chance that this piece thus signed, may actually be the work of Geddy? No. I take that back. If so, I think the pin stem and catch would appear much older, right? I never expected such a fast reply with this great info. I thank you and all connected with this great forum. I would love to see your example photo. I was unable to view it because there was a question mark in place of the photo. I clicked the box but nothing happened. Can you please repost it? Thanks very much!!
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Hi, Aside from the pinback being recent, the use of a Sterling mark was either uncommon or unheard of (not sure which) in 18th c. America. Additionally, the use of an applied marking tag is a 20th century concept.
All that said, it makes for an interesting and attractive brooch.
Regards, Tom
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I just got home to find your message. The photo loaded perfectly this time. Thank you. The mark does look very much like the one on this brooch. Slight differences in the letter type but format of the I & G with the dot separating the two is the same which indicates a strong possibility to me. I think you are right. Thank you for your help.
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