{"product_id":"19th-c-large-shepherds-crook-fly-brooch","title":"19th c. Large Shepherd's Crook + Fly Brooch","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnother highly unusual piece, this brooch is extremely oversized and has a motif combination I have never seen before! \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLikely dating from the latter half of the 19th century (it is so unusual I haven't been able to pinpoint it to a more exact date), it appears to have either been repaired or made by someone other than a professional jeweler, judging by the more primitive design of the clasp on the back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe two motifs here are both very Victorian, but like I mentioned before, I haven't ever seen them together. The shepherd's crook or staff is somewhat rare in jewelry, but it usually is meant to symbolize protection, as taken from the biblical symbolism of the Good Shepherd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInsect jewelry in general was very popular with Victorians and different insects held a variety of different hidden meanings. Flies seem to potentially represent a few different ideas. There is the obvious \"memento mori,\" or reminder that humans are mortal beings. This would fit in with the shepherd's crook, in my opinion. A reminder that all men must die, but that there is comfort in the ultimate protection from the Good Shepherd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOther potential meanings for fly symbolism are secrets (think, \"a fly on the wall\") and humility. What do you think this brooch means?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe brooch is constructed in gilt brass and silver tone metal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eBoxes are not included with this listing. Listing is for the brooch only.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-single__description rte\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e+++ Measurements +++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e5\" x 1 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e+++ Condition +++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLovely condition overall with minor age-related wear and patina. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e+++ Please read +++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis item is not new, and as such, it has wear commensurate with age. As with all older vintage and antique items, please handle with care.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAll items are sold as-is, and I do my best to point out all condition issues and provide a detailed description and photographs.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUnless specified, items have not been cleaned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eI do not accept returns or offer refunds. Please see all photos, read the entire description, and ask any questions before purchasing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Witchy Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49973548974330,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/7319\/4490\/files\/IMG_8469.jpg?v=1785697830","url":"https:\/\/www.the419plug.com\/products\/19th-c-large-shepherds-crook-fly-brooch","provider":"The Plug","version":"1.0","type":"link"}