Image 1 of 4
Image 2 of 4
Image 3 of 4
Image 4 of 4
This vintage luckenbooth is formed of two interlocking hearts surmounted by a crown, with engraved decoration to one of the hearts and the crown. The reverse has a hinged pin and c-scroll safety clasp and is marked ‘DB’ for Hamish Dawson-Bowman, ‘SCOTLAND’ and ‘STERLING’. The square presentation box has a burnt-orange leatherette finish together with a gilt border on the lid and a brass press release.
Hamish Dawson-Bowman founded the silversmithing firm Celtic Art Industries in 1945. He was inspired by the sculptured monuments found on the island of Iona as well as the Celtic Revival work of Alexander and Euphemia Ritchie. His aim was to continue the Celtic craft industry, as well as provide training for disabled and unemployed ex-servicemen.
Scottish heart brooches are often referred to as luckenbooths, with the name coming from the locked booths that housed the goldsmithing quarter in Edinburgh next to St Giles Kirk. The hearts are often capped with crowns, such as this example, and many were known to have acted as betrothal and wedding gifts particularly during the eighteenth century. They were also occasionally called witches brooches as they were believed to offer protection against witchcraft.
Dimensions:
Luckenbooth
Height 5cm
Width 3cm
Weight 6.1g
Box
Height 2.5cm
Width 6.4cm
Depth 7cm