Wishbone Brooch Value Guide

This antique wishbone brooch, dating from 1890 to 1910, serves as a quintessential example of late Victorian and Edwardian sentimental jewelry from the United States. Crafted from gold-filled metal, these pieces were popularized as wearable talismans that translated the ancient tradition of the fowl furcula into a stylish symbol of fortune.

What affects the value of Wishbone Brooch?

• The preservation of the gold-filled surface, specifically the absence of 'brassing' where the base metal shows through.
• The presence of original period engravings or additional decorative motifs like seed pearls or small gemstones.
• Market demand for Victorian-era luck symbols, which currently places these items in the $75-$90 price range.
• The structural integrity of the pin stem and the tightness of the clasp mechanism.

How to Identify Wishbone Brooch?

• Look for the distinct 'wishbone' or furcula shape characteristic of the 1890-1910 design aesthetic.
• Check for 'Gold Filled' or maker's marks common to United States manufacturing from the turn of the century.
• Examine the pin mechanism; authentic pieces from this era typically feature a C-clasp or an early safety catch.
• Verify the material weight and surface wear to distinguish antique gold-filled layers from modern gold plating.

History of Wishbone Brooch

The wishbone has been a symbol of good luck and fortune for centuries, originating from ancient traditions where people would pull the furcula bone of a cooked fowl to make a wish. This tradition found its way into jewelry, particularly in the Victorian era, where wishbone motifs became popular as talismans for good fortune. Brooches like this were worn to bring luck to the wearer.