Celtic Lapel Pin?

[sonic]

Hi all...This is my first post, I hope someone can steer me in the right direction?
I have a celtic lapel pin, about 3 inches long. on the back are 4 stamps & one below with (what i think) are the letters RA.

The stamps are SO Small I cannot make them out clearly. The first one kinda looks like a potted tree? like i said,,its very old & worn. Is there any place i can go to look into this..Im reallly interested in the history of it.

Thanks~
Sonic

[dragonflywink]

Please try and post photos or drawings (use a strong magnifier or loupe), I have an idea about what your piece might be. Is the "RA" in an oval cartouche? Does the tree mark look like the British city mark for Glasgow shown on the British Hallmarks section of this site? http://www.925-1000.com/british_marks.html

Cheryl ;o)

[sonic]

Thanks,,,i have a Inexpensive digital cam,,but will take a few shots.
Hope i can figure out HOW to post them.
TY~ :)

[sonic]

wow,,,i cant believe it worked..lol
this is just my first try & as you can see,,its impossible to make out the marks,,I'll try to take a better pic & I will have a look at the RA cartouche~~ :)

[dragonflywink]

Good job posting your pictures! If your camera has a macro function (usually indicated by a tiny flower), try for some tighter shots, might try putting the extra-magnification area of your magnifier over the marks. Just from what I can see in your photos, it appears to be a Scottish Iona Celtic Art-style brooch, based on the designs of Alexander Ritchie. The RA-in-oval would be the mark of Glasgow silversmith Robert Allison, believe he was producing these pieces from the 1940s-'60s (the Glasgow assay office closed in 1964). Some closer shots would confirm my hunch and tell you the year.

Cheryl ;o)

[sonic]

I think i need to buy a BIGGER mag. glass,,,lol..i cant get a Clear pic. ;(
I really think the piece is older than 1940's, just from the "wear" of it & the way the clasp(pin) was made.
maybe im being a romantic fool, but I'd like to think it belonged to a duchess that lived in a wealthy castle. :) ♥...lol

I will keep you up-dated~~