Victorian popular Pressed Horn Tennis Brooch - Original Antique

Victorian Pressed Horn Tennis Brooch - Original Antique

Here is an excellent example of the trend seen in Aesthetic era brooches and a rare early tennis brooch. Brooch is made of pressed horn, and measures just over 1 5/8" in length by just over 1" in height, with period correct tube hinge and "c" clasp closure. Dates from the late 1880's - 1900.

The 1890's were exciting, prosperous and ground-breaking times in our history. Women were increasingly involved in the business world and the stock market. Workers generally enjoyed much more leisure time, making entertainment a thriving business. Sporting activities for women such as tennis, bicycling and golf lead to dramatic wardrobe changes. The women of the Gilded Age were tired of the large, oppressive pieces of the Grand Era and wanted their jewelry to reflect their love of fun and whimsy.

Pictured last is Charlotte Cooper - the first female Olympic champion of all time. Charlotte was a tennis player born in Ealing, Middlesex, England on September 22, 1870. Nicknamed “Chattie,” as a young woman she was a member of the Ealing Lawn Tennis Club, where she originally learned her craft. She played tennis wearing long, Victorian skirts, and at that time only owned two rackets. Prior to her 1900 Olympic win, Charlotte won her first open singles title in 1893, and from then on was considered one of the best female tennis players of her time. She went on to win the women's singles title at the Wimbledon three times before the 1900 Olympics in 1895, 1896, and 1898, then twice afterward in 1901 and 1908. Check out her shoes - just as on the brooch!

Dyed pressed horn was a popular natural synthetic that was used extensively during the Victorian era, and centered in Sheffield, England. Pressed horn jewelry was a popular affordable alternative to popular more expensive jet. There is some light crazing on the back of the brooch, as is normally found with pressed horn. It is often confused with gutta percha, which was rarely used in making jewelry.

Take a look at my other original Victorian brooches! http://www.etsy.com/shop/victoriansentiments?section_id=7179660