Pair Of Large Art Nouveau French Vermeil Thistle Brooches

This spectacular pair of brooches features two thistle heads in patinated silver and vermeil.
The design of the motif is typically Art Nouveau in the sinuosity of the leaves.
The back, also in vermeil, is worked to represent the texture of the plant.
It's likely that the motifs were originally intended as belt ornaments, indeed there are built-in rings enabling them to be sewn on.
The brooch mounts with hinge system and C-clasp are later but are an early adaptation, and are perfectly functional.
One of the brooches bears the boar's head hallmark on the back.
The absence of a master hallmark does not allow attribution,. A belt buckle in the same spirit at Tadema Gallery is signed Ferdinand Ehrart.
the vermeil is well present with a soft sheen.

PERFECT CONDITION, FRANCE ART NOUVEAU PERIOD ROUND 1900.

Dimensions 7.2cm x 5.2cm
Weight 63g both