Small Silver Naval Crown Brooch / Lapel Pin

This is a lovely small silver brooch or lapel pin depicting the famous 'Naval Crown'. The origins of this date back to Roman times when it was a military award given to the first man who boarded an enemy ship during a naval engagement. In heraldry, a naval crown is mounted atop the shield of a coat of arms of the naval vessels. It is made up of a circlet with the sails and sterns of ships alternating on top. This delightful antique example is marked Sterling and the pin is fastened with a 'C' clasp. Suitable for either sex, it is as collectable as it is wearable.