Fantastic Handmade Antique Dangling Fish Brooch/Pin

What a fabulous find! This is an antique handmade pin made of a simple bar & 3 dangling fish, full of esoteric meaning. The fish is a symbol of Christianity (IXTHUS) and I’d imagine these symbolize the trinity - Father, Son & Holy Ghost. In the early church, the fish symbol was often used as a covert way to communicate fellowship when it was not always safe to do so. Based on clasp, I’d date this to 1910/1920 - the safety clasp is one of the early ones, separate from the pin mechanism, and the pin sticks out from the catch the way they did during that period. This is a primitive piece. The fish are hand cut w/ etched pattern - the lines are delightfully imperfect - the metal is wonderfully patina’d - steel & brass, I believe. At the bottom of the 2 outside fish are 2 turquoise glass seed beads & 2 natural tumbled chip blue & white speckled gemstones - Lapis, Sodalite, agate? I would bet Lapis. Excellent condition overall, considering the age. I see one very tiny chip on one of the seed beads, but no other flaws. This is a rare & unique antique piece I’d feel honored to wear. 🥰 #73 #antique #vintage #rare #unique #handmade #oneofakind #Christian #esoteric #primitive