Large Antique Scottish Brass Annular Plaid Brooch
Large Antique Brass Scottish 18th Century Design Annular Plaid Brooch
This exceptional large Scottish brass plaid brooch is of annular form in a style dating to the 18th century. This is thought to be a later 19th century version and we know of one other example of this pattern in a private collection in Edinburgh. Featuring cast celtic designs and zoomorphic animals on the outer disc and hinged pin in a traditional design.
Size approx. 113mm x 123mm
"Annular" means formed as a ring and "penannular" formed as an incomplete ring. Plaid brooches are a common Highland dress accoutrement from Victorian times to today. However, 17th and 18th century annular form Highland plaid brooches are now rare due to the government imposed restrictions on Highland dress after the failure of the 1745 Jacobite Rising.
As a result, plaid brooches of this type form a unique representation of early Highland dress. Illustrations and details of Highland brooches can be found illustrated in James Drummond’s “Ancient Scottish Weapons”, George Waterston & Sons, Edinburgh, 1881. The original 17th and 18th century brass plaid brooches were forged and forge welded into the circular form. They were often engraved with celtic designs and zoomorphic animals.
