J-dude
Full Member
Picked up this sterling brooch at a garage sale for $5.....the thing throwing me off is the backwards "S" on the "Sterling" mark. Has anyone seen this before? Is it actual sterling? Any information would be great...THANKS!!!
Breezie said:J Dude,
It appears you have found a nice Edwardian era (1900-1920) Mexican Sterling silver Filigree Flower Brooch with a roll over clasp. I can't tell from the photos if it is gold or brass plated, but if you smell of it, you can definitely tell if it is brass or not. Brass has a very distinct odor. If you want to know what it smells like: wash your hands with soap, dry, then rub a brass door key for a minute between your thumb and forefingers. Smell of your fingers, and you will easily know the smell. Do the same thing with your brooch. If it is no odor, it could be gold plated. Also, some sterling Mexican jewelry is copper plated.
The letters being backwards really doesn't mean anything except the person stamping it made a mistake; it is still Sterling Silver.
Here is a website with a similar one:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76516513/sterling-silver-edwardian-filigree
Nice findBreezie