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This vintage luckenbooth is formed of two interlocking hearts, surmounted by a crown. The reverse has a hinged pin and safety clasp and shows hallmarks for Edinburgh, sterling silver [925], 1988 and the maker Thomas Ebbutt.
Thomas K. Ebbutt is first mentioned in the local directories of Edinburgh in 1899 as a ‘Chaser and Designer’. In 1903 he registered his maker’s mark with the Edinburgh Assay Office and submitted his work for assay from 1904 onwards. In 1912, the trade directory describes his business as ‘Goldsmith etc; regimental and Highland ornament maker’. He died in 1921 but his business continued through his family until 1977 when it was acquired by the Edinburgh firm Hamilton & Inches.
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:
Height 5.2cm
Width 4.4cm
Weight 17.4g