18K & Silver German Victorian White Sapphire Bird Floral Spray Bouquet Brooch with Original Lithograph

A beautiful German Victorian c.1880-1890 white sapphire bird floral spray bouquet brooch modelled in 18k gold wash topped silver, hallmarked.

It comes accompanied with an original physical German antique lithograph (not a reproduction print) of the paradise flycatcher c.1883 (4th picture in gallery), likely to be the bird pictured in the brooch.

It was sourced from Germany and is likely German in origin.

The brooch features a lovely bouquet of floral and foliate, tied with a gorgeous and ornamental bow. The detailing is so beautifully rendered, with curves and grooves that makes the brooch appear so lifelike. It holds a center bird with intricate hand-etched detailing on its entire body, further decorated with rose cut white sapphires on its wings, as well as throughout the brooch approx. 1.15ctw by spread. All stones are original and present with no missing stones. 

It is important to note that these are set with white sapphire gemstones, and not glass. Sapphires are ranked 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them one of the hardest and most durable gemstones, second only to diamond which ranks at 10.

The bird pictured is likely to be the (female) paradise flycatcher, with its three-pointed tail, a species that captivated Victorian imagination. Known in period texts as the “fairy bird”, it was admired for its graceful flight and elegant form. With its flowing tail and celestial name, the paradise flycatcher came to symbolise beauty, grace, and aspiration.

In this brooch, the paradise flycatcher is shown amidst foliate sprays, carrying a garland in its beak. The pairing reflects a Victorian emblem of renewal; The bird honoured for its elegance, the leaves and garland for growth and enduring love.

It is hallmarked '925' for silver, with letters beside it denoting sponsor marks, as well as a maker's mark on the brooch pin. It is 18k gold wash topped silver on the bird and edges of the foliate, giving a wonderful contrast.

It opens and closes well with its original trombone clasp for added security, and is offered in excellent condition.

This lovely bird bouquet is a wonderful forever bouquet, rich in symbolism that never wilts.

It measures 69.5mm x 30.3mm height, and weighs 11.65 grams.

Original German Lithograph From Brehms Tierleben (Brehm's Life of Animals) by Alfred Edmund Brehm c.1883

This listing includes a brooch, as well as an original antique German lithograph of the paradise flycatcher (4th picture in gallery). The print originates from Brehms Tierleben (Brehm's Life of Animals), a zoological reference first published in 1864 which brought its author, Alfred Edmund Brehm, international acclaim. The plate offered here was printed by the Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig, circa 1883.

Alfred Edmund Brehm (1829–1884) was a German zoologist, natural history illustrator, and writer, and the son of noted ornithologist Christian Ludwig Brehm. Through Brehms Tierleben, his name became synonymous with popular zoological literature of the 19th century.

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Era - Victorian c.1880-1890
Materials - 18k gold wash and silver / Rose Cut White Sapphire
Carat Weight - White Sapphire: 1.15ctw by spread
Measurements - 69.5mm x 30.3mm height

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