Historical information

Pins have a very important role in social history. Pins were made from steel with separate heads which were applied to the shaft. The lacquering of this steel pin may indicate that it was a mourning pin,.

Significance

Mourning clothes were the social custom from Regency period when it was not acceptable to wear anything which might glitter. The lacquer coating both smoothed the rough steel and prevented any inappropriate glitter.

Physical description

Steel (or iron) pin, coated with black lacquer. Head was made separately and attached to shank