Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu

Of railway and engineering interest: A 19th century gold stick pin, set with a half-pearl beneath a circular surmount engraved ‘HARPE* / 1863’, the surround with engraved steam train, fence and pylon, with ropetwist wire detailing, (pearl untested), length 9.5cm. £100-£150

Harper & Co. was founded in Aberdeen in 1856 by brothers John and Hugh Harper. Originally an iron gate and wire manufacturing business, the firm went on to become one of Scotland’s most important engineering firms. In 1863 John Harper registered a patent for a wire straining device that became crucial in the development of suspension bridges. Between 1870 and 1910 the company built sixty suspension bridges all over the world.