Help with a Richard Hemsley Pin

[BioProfessor]

I was metal detecting around an old plantation house and found what I believe to be a Sterling silver pin designed by Richard Hemsley. The design on the pin seems to represent a nautical place. Does anyone have any idea what or where this pin represents? Any idea when it was made?

Thanks,

Daryl

[silverly]

As a very long shot, I could see this being an emblem off of a souvenir spoon or souvenir item of some sort depicting the Montreal Drydock. Unfortunately, I don't know the geography and landmarks for that location. Apparently the drydock that would have been there about the time you item was made was later moved to Buffalo.

[BioProfessor]

I thought the same thing at first but if it were off a spoon it would seem like the attachment would show and I would think that the sterling and maker's mark would be on the spoon handle. Right?

Thanks,

Daryl

[silverly]

As is, it looks like something that could have been on a spoon and just as easily have been used elsewhere too.

It may not happen soon enough, but I always feel like manufactured items were obviously made in large quantities and eventually, another example will come to light.

Good luck with your research.

[BioProfessor]

Is it common for the medallion on a spoon to have the maker's mark and type of material? Or is a souvenir spoon usually marked on the handle?

I don't know much about spoons.

I have made jewelry and the marks and "scars" seem more consistent with a pin but I really don't know.

Thanks for the help!

Daryl

[silverly]

It's all guesses for me. I wish I could be more help. This particular piece does look like it was soldered top and bottom, so I see your point but just have no answer. Hemsley made the medallions and marked them, so that any future user knew where they came from, but beyond that, it seems as though they would have been like a jeweler's finding.

[JLDoggett]

The dark grey areas appear to be solder stains for a double pronged clasp. The upper piece would have been a double ended pin-stem held by a simple tube hinge and the lower part would have been a double "c" catch where the openings faced each other. I am more used to seeing this type of clasp on older military cap-badges, but not typically on something this small.

[BioProfessor]

That's what I was thinking as well. Thanks! That can help in my search to look for a pin or seek information about the nature of the scene from jewelry sources and not so much the collectibles area. Getting close.

Appreciate all the effort.


Daryl