Summary

Silver brooch, puportedly made in 1852 aboard the ship Winchester.

The face of this brooch was probably crafted from a silver coin. In a somewhat naïve manner, the decoration consists of winged putti sitting in a shell shaped boat being pulled along a lake by a swan. In the background can be seen a rotunda upon a landscape or a ship. The border consists of elaborate scrolling. The top plate is edged over the backing plate upon which is attached a pin and clasp.

The inscription on the back plate reads: "Presented to Jane Elizabeth Hutchins by William Carey, made and engraved on board Barque Winchester, bound for Melbourne, Australia. James Curry, Commander, Decr.25th 1852."

This brooch is a very good example of the difficulties of much spare time and boredom a passenger may have encountered on board ship coming to Australia, especially during the time of the Victorian gold rush.

Physical Description

Silver brooch decorated with winged putti sitting in a shell shaped boat being pulled along a lake by a swan. In the background can be seen a rotunda upon a landscape or a ship. The border consists of elaborate scrolling. The top plate is edged over the backing plate upon which is attached a pin and clasp.

More Information