Brooch

1870-1910

Measurements

2-3/8 in x 5/8 in x 1/2 in

Materials

Horn and rose gold

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.975

Inscription

A paper label in the object folder states in pencil, “Top of side comb of / Ann Jefferis Wilson / about 1811.”

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

The tortoise shell brooch or pin has a slight curve, suggestive of its former use as a hair comb.  Tortoise shell was used extensively throughout the 19th century to manufacture intricately shaped and simpler hair combs.  Ann Jefferis Wilson, the first wife of David Wilson Jr. and the presumed owner of a comb from which this pin was made, lived from 1791 to 1822 and so may have been the first owner.  Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner, from whom the present pin came, converted other objects of her forebears into jewelry she could wear.  For example, see a chatelaine, accession no. 1971.983. 

The rectangular pin with two curved corners and two right-angled corners has a border of rose gold and a row of five alternating rosettes and circular beads.  A pin-and-hook catch is attached to the back.  The date range of the object refers to its conversion to the present form.