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+--- Thread: RE Vintage Austin broach (/showthread.php?tid=9030)
RE Vintage Austin broach - Lastjournaliststanding - 06-12-2023
This may be a strange question. I’m looking for information on what appears to be an Austin related pin or broach. I’ve been collecting automobilia for 40-plus years concentrating on mascots, badges and unique items that grabbed my attention . . . such as this pin. I’ve never come across anything like this before. I know that Austin began marketing “Austin Novelties” as early as 1909 through the advertising department at the Longbridge Works in Birmingham. This included a range of broaches/pins (including in 9ct gold), watches, belt buckles, pocket knives, “pocket book” and a board game. This specific item isn’t listed in a 1912 advert that I’ve seen photos of, but I feel sure that it was a later offering. I’m unable to find any other adverts, so that is only a guess. Can anyone help me date this piece or provide guidance on where I might look? It measures 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 inches and is marked “Sterling” on the reverse and I assume that the stones are crystal or glass. The wheel spins freely. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jim Jennings Springfield, Illinois, USA
RE: RE Vintage Austin broach - Peter Naulls - 07-12-2023
Unlike corporate emblems of today the winged wheel seems to be different in every publication /grill badge /dealer sign that was produced. What I have noticed is that it tended to get wider (less squat looking) and with cleaner lines over the years that the Seven was produced. It that regard I would expect it to be late '30s. Only a hunch though.
RE: RE Vintage Austin broach - Colin Morgan - 08-12-2023
Seems there were lots of promotional items produced over the years?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186193074321
Austin Novelties 1.jpg (Size: 294.14 KB / Downloads: 330)
Austin Novelties 2.jpg (Size: 186.12 KB / Downloads: 331)
RE: RE Vintage Austin broach - Lastjournaliststanding - 08-12-2023
Thanks much.
RE: RE Vintage Austin broach - Dennis Nicholas - 12-12-2023
As a Stirling Silver item and appearing to be of such a finely engineered build (rotating wheels) I would expect the stones could more likely be diamonds?
Dennis
RE: RE Vintage Austin broach - Duncan Grimmond - 12-12-2023
Even back then diamonds would have made it a very pricey novelty IMHO (in a former life I was a working jeweller). At the time silver was probably about 2/- to 2/6d per ounce (Troy weight of a Florin or Half-crown? silver coins were actually silver in them thar days) and I'd suggest paste to be a more likely "sparkler" ...the price for a 9ct gold badge brooch started 9? suggesting shillings, so either 9/? or more likely 99/11 (just short of a fiver for gold), with silver at 1/? or more likely 11/? shillings.
RE: RE Vintage Austin broach - Lastjournaliststanding - 15-12-2023
We tested the stones and they did not come back as diamonds. I'm not, given what I paid for it, unhappy. It is really beautiful.
Thank you for the input. I would tend to agree with your assessment.