B. A. Beskow, Heraldic Steel Brooch with the Arms of MacDowall of Garthland 1885
Price:4500 SEK401 EUR432 USDChange Currency
Dimensions: Height 6.5 cm (3 inches) x Width 4.9 cm (2 inches) x Depth 0.7 cm (1 inches)
A rare late 19th-century heraldic brooch by Swedish metalworker Bernhard August Beskow (1837–1910), finely executed in etched steel with gilded and darkened details. The brooch depicts the arms of the Scottish MacDowall family of Garthland, with a crowned lion, two lion supporters, helmet and the distinctive crest of a lion’s paw holding a dagger. The heraldic composition includes the mottos Fortis in Arduis (“Brave in adversity”) and Vincere vel Mori (“Conquer or die”).
The brooch itself is unmarked but remains in its original fitted case, stamped Beskow, Bankeryd. Beskow was particularly renowned for his highly refined work in etched and gilded steel. The Bankeryd marking dates the piece to his period of activity there, circa 1883–1888.
An exceptional example of Beskow’s decorative metalwork with a fascinating Scottish connection.