RARE Victorian Mourning Brooch- cut Steel

Rare Antique Victorian Era Mourning Brooch made of cut Steel with a painted Black over a Brass coating on top. At one time, it would have been completely Black however, I think the wear of the Black Mourning Paint, creates a wonderful Beautiful Appearance. It measures 1.75' x 1 & 3/8". The "c" Clasp is Victorian Era. The Popularity of Mourning Jewelry reached its peak during the Victorian Era (1837 to 1901). Mourning Jewelry may seem dreary to our modern sensibilities, but understanding the times when it was worn lends a different perspective. The average lifespan during this Era was 40 to 45 years, due to war and epidemics. Simply put, death was a constant companion in the Victorian Era. Mourning Jewelry brought a little solace to the survivors who had to cope with frequent losses. Item G32. I've been in Vintage/Antique jewelry for over 35yrs and I sell some new items occasionally. Feel free to ask questions. MY LISTINGS GENERALLY CONSIST OF MANY ONE OF A KIND OR VERY RARE PIECES, SOLID 14KT ITEMS, PLATINUM, 18KT, DIAMONDS, AMETHYSTS, TOPAZ, AGATE, EMERALDS, SAPPHIRES, OPALS, STERLING SILVER, VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE PIECES, BOLD AND RUNWAY-ERA. DESIGNERS SUCH AS GIVENCHY PARIS NEW YORK, CHRISTIAN DIOR FRANCE, FENDI ITALY, VALENTINO, KENNETH JAY LANE, CHANEL, ALEXIS BITTAR, YVES SAINT LAURENT, HENRI BENDEL, HERMES, JUDITH JACK, KATE SPADE, MICHAEL KORS, MIRIAM HASKELL, CORO AND MORE.