A magnificent Scottish kilt sash annular pin used to fasten plaids and tartans, at the shoulder by men, and across the chest by women.

"Annular" means formed as a ring, and "penannular" formed as an incomplete ring.  

Used to fasten clothing at the neck, such brooches became fashionable from c. 1200 onwards throughout Europe. Their use declined elsewhere after c. 1400,  however they continued to be used in the Highlands, becoming larger and gradually evolving into the large annular ‘Highland brooch’ of the 16th-18th centuries, and beyond, as seen in this impressive example.

Emblazoned with the emblematic Scottish thistle in high relief, and crafted from Sterling Silver with a complete series of hallmarks for Edinburgh assay office (a three turreted castle), the Thistle stamp (added in 1759 denoting the 925 standard of silver),  ‘IR’ makers mark, ‘u’ date letter for Edinburgh 1826, and, lastly the Sovereign head 'duty' mark reflecting a tax on precious metals collected between 1784 and 1890.

An impressively large size at 7.7cm, stunningly emblazoned to its circumference with the emblematic Scottish Thistle and weighing a magnificent 77 grams in weight.

Of exceptional craftsmanship typical of the Georgian era, a true collectors piece, and as wearable today with your favourite Pashmina perhaps, however given its beauty this piece could be mounted on a stand to decorate ones home.

REFERENCES

National Museum Scotland:

Silver ring brooch with the maker's mark on the back and "Albion Cloth Company" in a circle. Click here

Silver, circular Disruption Brooch, registered by M. Rettie and Son, Aberdeen. Click here

Cast pierced flat ring plaid brooch of traditional Highland form. Click here. 

Victoria & Albert Museum

Plaid Brooch 1769.  Click here


STONES
None

MEASUREMENTS
7.7cm Round

WEIGHT
77 Grams

MARKS
Fully hallmarked for manufacture in Edinburgh 

Three turreted castle - For assay in Edinburgh - used since 1681
Thistle - Signifying 925 (Sterling standard silver) - used since 1759
‘IR’ - Makers mark - possibly for John Riley - register as a silversmith in February 1810
‘U’ - Date letter for 1826

Sovereign Head - ‘Duty’ mark - Reflecting the tax paid on precious metals collected between 1784-1890

CONDITION
Exceptional antique condition. Annular pin moves freely, no wear nor thinning.  High relief Scottish thistles show no wear or losses. Moor marks to plain verso, no deep marks.  All five hallmarks are crisp, clear and legible.