Mystery Enamel Pin

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Aguest
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Mystery Enamel Pin

Post by Aguest »

This one is a complete mystery, it is some sort of enamel Hawaii pin, although it could be guilloche (I just call everything enamel)

Image
Image
Aguest
contributor
Posts: 1612
Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:26 am

Re: Mystery Enamel Pin

Post by Aguest »

This pin shares some similarities to the pins of H. Culman, a Hawaiian silversmith active from 1900-1920.
The hallmark is not like the "HC" marks that I see on the backs of the pins of H. Culman, so I am really not sure this is his work.

Also, could it be from Denmark, since they have some beautiful enamel pins?

This one is a complete mystery, I hope someone out there can help with the hallmark?
Aguest
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Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:26 am

Re: Mystery Enamel Pin

Post by Aguest »

I found another similar pin and the owner claims that the mark is from an Expert Jeweler who operated circa 1900 whose name is "H.F. Wichman."
The hallmark is a stylized "W" within the shape of a shield.

That certainly doesn't look like a "W," but maybe it is some sort of Gothic "W" font that was popular circa 1900?

Strange.
Aguest
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Re: Mystery Enamel Pin

Post by Aguest »

I see the article on "H.F. Wichman" who had a shop in Honolulu, and pictures of the interior of his shop.
His shop is so nice, you would have thought more pieces would have survived.
So far I only see a few spoons and a few enamel pins for sale, but it is enough to solve the mystery.

It is indeed the hallmark of one H.F. Wichman who operated out of Honolulu circa 1900.
dognose
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Location: England

Re: Mystery Enamel Pin

Post by dognose »

Hi Aguest,

The mark does indeed appear to be that of H.F. Wichman when compared with other examples online.

The working dates of the firm are 1887 (as Gomes & Wichman) until at least 1955.

The business was incorporated as H.F. Wichman & Company Ltd. in 1903.

Henry F. Wichman died on the 12th June 1921.

I've added an additional view if the firm's interior at: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... &start=100

Image
H.F. Wichman & Co. Ltd. - Honolulu - 1910

Trev.
Chaz759
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2021 3:57 pm

Re: Mystery Enamel Pin

Post by Chaz759 »

dognose wrote:Hi Aguest,

The mark does indeed appear to be that of H.F. Wichman when compared with other examples online.

The working dates of the firm are 1887 (as Gomes & Wichman) until at least 1955.

The business was incorporated as H.F. Wichman & Company Ltd. in 1903.

Henry F. Wichman died on the 12th June 1921.

I've added an additional view if the firm's interior at: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... &start=100

Image
H.F. Wichman & Co. Ltd. - Honolulu - 1910

Trev.
My pops died and left me his cup and spoon from this company and I was also wondering about it..does the shop exist on Oahu still
?
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Mystery Enamel Pin

Post by dognose »

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

I believe the firm are still in business, but I'm unsure of their current location.

Hopefully another member may know.

Trev.
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