This is a late Victorian or early Edwardian Sentimental brooch in 9ct gold.
The Victorians loved to give jewellery brooches that had a message attached to it.
Here the ivy leaves represent either friendship or memories remain evergreen or marriage.
Etched onto the shield is a swallow. Victorians used this bird symbol to mean come back to me. If someone was going on a long journey or to war. As the swallow always returned home
This handmade brooch has at some point had a repair on the C - clasp, it is replaced with a silver metal pin. The clasp is loose and the replacement pin is in need of tightening
The markings on the reverse of the brooch has a line with "9 575 (anchor on side) b". (9ct gold, made in Birmingham 1901)
Also at one side is I think "Sil" (this may refer to the replacement pin?) or goldsmith's name
This dainty antique brooch measures about 4 cm across with the shield just 1.5 cm
