Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a classic circular pewter brooch featuring a beautifully cast Celtic quaternary knot design. Produced by the renowned Cornish workshop St Justin, it showcases a traditional four-cornered knotwork pattern with a darkened, antiqued background that makes the polished pewter knotwork stand out in high relief.
Story
Crafted in Cornwall, this brooch carries a design that dates back to early Christian stone crosses. The four-sided knot represents the four seasons, elements, or directions. It was made to keep ancient Celtic heritage alive in modern fashion.
Maker / Origin
St Justin was founded in Cornwall in 1984, starting in a small shed with a mission to recreate historical Celtic designs in pewter, bronze, and silver. Over the decades, they became world-renowned for their historical accuracy and high-quality hand-casting techniques, keeping Cornish metalworking traditions alive.
Condition & Value
The brooch is in very good vintage condition with minor surface wear and light scratching consistent with age. The pin mechanism on the back is fully functional, and the cast maker's mark is crisp and legible. Excellent preservation of the dark antiqued background.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.