Sterling Silver Iona Style Viking Long Boat Brooch

Sterling Silver Iona Style Viking Long Boat Brooch

A distinctive and highly collectible vintage sterling silver Viking long boat brooch, beautifully designed in the Iona style and depicting a traditional Viking longboat.

The brooch combines elements of Celtic-inspired craftsmanship with the evocative form of a Viking longboat, creating an unusual and characterful piece of Scottish-inspired jewellery. Its detailed design and compact form make it both an attractive wearable accessory and an appealing addition to a collection of historic or Celtic-themed silver jewellery.

Condition

The brooch is presented in good vintage condition, displaying only light signs of previous wear consistent with its age and use. The maker’s mark to the reverse is worn, although the piece is clearly marked “Silver”.

Marks and Measurements

Hallmarks / Marks:

• Material: Sterling Silver
• Marked: “Silver”
• Maker’s mark: Worn / indistinct

Measurements:

• Size: Approx. 3cm × 2cm
• Weight: 7.3g

About This Viking Long Boat Brooch

A wonderful and unusual vintage silver Viking long boat brooch with strong Celtic and Viking-inspired appeal, ideal for collectors of Iona-style jewellery, Scottish silver, Viking-themed pieces or distinctive vintage accessories.

The boat is shown side-on, with a planked hull and a row of small round shields or rivets along its upper edge. Above it, the rigging fans out in a pierced, openwork design that lets the light through, giving the brooch a clean and almost modern look. The curved prow and stern rise at either end, and a long pin on the back keeps this Viking long boat brooch secure when worn.

What Is Iona Style Jewellery?

The island of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, has a long history as a centre of early Christianity, and its carved stones have inspired craftsmen for generations. In the early 20th century, Alexander and Euphemia Ritchie became known for their Iona Celtic Art workshop, and designs of this kind have remained popular ever since. Pieces like this one are often described as Iona style because of that Scottish Celtic tradition.

Vikings in Scotland

Viking ships were a familiar and feared sight around the Scottish islands, and Iona itself suffered Viking raids in the years around 800. The Norse influence lasted for centuries in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. That makes a Viking long boat brooch a fitting subject for Scottish silver jewellery, and a nice link to the history of the islands.

Wearing and Gifting

At just 3cm wide, this is a neat size for a jacket lapel, a scarf, a hat or a tartan sash. It would make a lovely gift for anyone who loves sailing, Scottish history or the islands, or for a person with Norse or Hebridean family roots. Collectors of Scottish silver jewellery may also enjoy it as a slightly different alternative to more familiar thistle and Celtic knot designs.

Caring for Your Silver Brooch

Clean your Viking long boat brooch gently with a soft silver polishing cloth, taking care around the pierced rigging and pin. Avoid over-polishing the darker recesses, as these help to show off the detail. Put your brooch on after applying perfume or hairspray, and store it in a dry pouch or box, away from damp, to help slow tarnishing.

Delivery and Returns

Free UK delivery on this item, carefully packed and sent Royal Mail Tracked, dispatched within 1–2 working days. All items, including pre-owned items, can be returned within 30 days. Gift orders can be sent directly to a different address with no prices included in the parcel.

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and condition report.

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