Identifying Antique Mourning Pins: A Guide

Question

Mourning pin?   QUESTION: My mother bought this decades ago in a thrift store.  The metal is soft but I don't want to bend it too much and break it.

ANSWER: Hi Annie,

I'm not really sure what the question is but I'm assuming it is if this piece is a "mourning pin". It has the characteristics of thst type of jewelry but there do not seem to be any markings on it. On the back of the plate is there a stamp or name, something that would give it an identity? Was there a stone set in it when it was bought? Is there any corrosion on the metal and what color is the corrosion? By answering these questions I would at least have a clue to its identity. Other than that you would need to have the metal tested to find out more. This piece is noy bery valuable even if all the tests come out good. But interesting.

Peter

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry I was so vague.  I would like to know if it is actually mourning jewelry and the approximate age.  It has a picture of an old gentleman.  The picture is behind a roughly cut piece of glass.  There is no corrosion on the metal.  There are no markings on the back.  Thanks for your reply.

Answer
Hi Annie,

That was quick. I am only guessing since I have no facts to go on, but I would call this piece "mourning jewelry". The age and where it was made and who it was for are all lost to the pages of history. It was popular in the U.S. in the 1800's but could be from the early 20th century. Not much else I can tell you, thanks for asking.

Peter