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Circa: 1920
Condition: Good
Size: 2-3/8"
Type: Brooch
Manufacturer: Unknown
Extremely rare enamel red heart which is broken with a torch running through it. This is so interesting I did some research to find out what it symbolizes and came up with the following:
Since at least 1927, "to carry the torch" (or "carry a torch" for someone) has meant to continue to love and pine for someone long after the object of affection has left the building and any reasonable hope of amorous success has passed.
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By 1934, romantic ballads of lost love and broken hearts were known as "torch songs," and female nightclub singers who made them their specialty were known as "torch singers."
Much earlier, in 1775, we have this reference to the burning torch in the Epilogue to Irish playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan's comedy 'The Rivals' [citation]:
In female breasts did sense and merit rule,
The lover's mind would ask no other school;
Shamed into sense, the scholars of our eyes,
Our beaux from gallantry would soon be wise;
Would gladly light, their homage to improve,
The lamp of knowledge at the torch of love!
Hearts are one of the highly collectible figurals, and this one is a real gem. The enamel is in excellent condition. It is obvious that some of the stones have been replaced, but in general the brooch looks extremely well for its age. The back looks like base metal with a silver over coat. Cir 1920's through 1930's.
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