Dolphin Brooch

The original badge, after which this was copied, was found in the Seine in the 19th century. It would have been worn by supporters of the Dauphin, the heir apparent to the French throne, and it shows his badge of a dolphin. The date of the original is not known precisely, but there is a good chance it was worn by the supporters of the future Charles VII, the king helped to the throne by Joan of Arc. If so, it is from the early 15th century.

This is a spectacular three-dimensional badge in deep relief. The eye is a glass stone, cast in place. There are two badges from the same mold in the Musee de Cluny; one was cast without a stone, and careful study of it led to our understanding that the depressions in which a glass stone is placed before casting a badge like this have a tiny vent at the bottom. This badge comes unpainted, blue (in the heraldic colors of the dauphin’s badge), or yellow/gold. We use different colors of stones for the eyes. Unpainted dolphins eyes are blue, red, or yellow. Blue dolphins are likely to have clear glass, milky white, or yellow eyes. Yellow dolphins’ eyes are usually red, blue, or clear. If it makes a difference to you, let us know before you order or add a note to your order; we’ll be in touch if there is any problem doing what you prefer.