This interesting old silver brooch takes the form of a traditional Scottish penannular brooch (the pin is fixed and part of the design). It is a later Celtic Art Industries issue - made by the silversmith Hamish Dawson-Bowman - and it is a replica of the famous Hunterston Brooch.
It transpires that occasionally Alexander Ritchies and latterly the CAI produced basic replicas of the classic brooches such as the early Tara and Hunterston originals.
My brooch is marked to the back with the maker's mark for Hamish Dawson-Bowman, who was the founder of Celtic Art Industries.
It is an interesting example as it is identical to another stamped piece made by Iain MacCormick and also marked Iona. Perhaps both silversmiths were using the earlier original moulds made by Alexander Ritchie to produce these replicas. Indeed, another version appears on the Ritchie website under the heading: Later Iona Silver and the C.A.I
See .... http://www.alexander-ritchie.co.uk/later.htm
My silver brooch is hallmarked and also marked on the back: SCOTLAND and STERLING. The width at its widest point is 3.6 cm.
With a pin and firm clasp on the reverse for attaching to a jacket lapel or little black dress!
UK Postage is charged at £4.95 - but I could probably post a little cheaper - any over payment in postage will be refunded. to you.