Antique silver coral brooch by Gustav Hauber 1880 Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany#125

Antique silver coral brooch by Gustav Hauber
Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany

About this piece

A charming butterfly brooch in the romantic tradition, crafted from silver with a distinctive scrolled wirework frame. Eight coral spheres — in warm coral-red tones — are set into the symmetrical wings, with a larger polished silver ball at the centre acting as the body. The design echoes the delicate metalwork and gemstone arrangements favoured in mid-to-late nineteenth-century German jewellery, when Schwäbisch Gmünd was renowned for fine silverwork.

The brooch retains its original pin and catch mechanism, visible and fully functional. The silver shows the gentle patina of age and use — a subtle darkening that speaks to its authenticity. The coral cabochons remain lustrous and well-preserved, and the wirework spirals are crisp and precisely formed. A discreet maker’s mark confirms its German provenance. This is a piece that wears as beautifully today as it did over a century ago: versatile enough for everyday wear on a collar or shawl, yet distinctive enough to anchor a vintage-inspired ensemble.