Two lovely bow motif mourning slide buckles from the late Victorian period. The mountings are Japanned with a flat satin, black to almost gunmetal-tone finish. This technique, originating in Japan, India, and China, involves coating metal with a shiny black or dark gray lacquer. It was popular in Victorian mourning jewelry after Queen Victoria went into mourning for Prince Albert.
Era: Late Victorian (c. 1890s)
Style: Mourning / Art Nouveau
Colors: Black, Clear (Paste stones)
Material: Japanned Metal, Glass Paste Stones
Slot Opening: 15mm (5/8-inch)
Dimensions: 2.8x2.8cm (1 1/8-inch x 1 1/8-inch)
Origin: United States
Excellent. New old store stock.
Victorians used symbols to express sentiment, as emoting was considered improper. The bow symbolized eternal love, making these mourning ornaments a lasting expression of eternal devotion.
The opening for the ribbon is best suited to a maximum of 5/8-inch width and is designed to slide onto mourning ribbon, hat ribbon, sash, or belt.
