brooch second picture

[siddieswans]

Your mark is exactly the same as the one for William Kerr shown on page 135 of the "bible" - Australian Jewellers Gold & Silversmiths / Makers & Marks by Cavill et al. His dates as an independent jeweller were 1875 until his death in 1896, and the firm William Kerr continued by his 3 sons until closure in 1938. Although best known as medallists, particularly Masonic, and as makers of fine presentation silver, the firm apparently stocked a large quantity of retail jewellery - I would date your brooch 1890-1920. It does not look to be of very great quality and may well have been a line that was simply retailed by the firm. But an interesting mark, and one that I don't have in my jewellery collection.

[collectaminia]

any idea of value?

[siddieswans]

Depends entirely what it is made from. Does it have any metal markings? Very hard to tell from pictures but it does not look like gold to me - it may be a base metal with plating. To be honest it looks like badly plated brass to me, but I am only guessing from the photo. The cabochon looks like a member of the agate family, possibly carnelian. If it is not precious metal (and if it was it would definitely have a mark), and if it was not Australian, or did not have the maker's mark, I would be guessing just an antique costume brooch, $30. However because of the W Kerr mark you may well find extra interest from Australiana collectors. As I tried to hint in my first resposnse, I do not think this is of sufficient quality to be made by Kerr or his firm; I think they just added the mark as retailers.

[collectaminia]

thank you for your answers