Name/Title
Mourning Brooch and CaseEntry/Object ID
1982.8.1 A-BDescription
Gold oval brooch with small painting of older gentleman encased in glass in the brooch's interior. The frontside of the piece is inscribed "Mrs. W.K. Bachman Columbia S.C." Encased in glass on the backside is a braided lock of hair.Item Type
BroochContext
Popularized during the Victorian era, mourning brooches often included the hair of the departed and thus served as a tangible connection to deceased loved ones. Deeply personal and intimate, this brooch belonged to Julia Rush Fisher (1834-1915), who wore it after the passing of her husband of forty-five years, Captain William Kunhardt Bachman (1830-1901). Born in Columbia, Julia Fisher married Charleston-native William Bachman in 1856. The couple resided at 1615 Plain Street, now known as Hampton Street. Both William and Julia are buried in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral churchyard.
This brooch features a miniature portrait of William Bachman on its interior and a braided pattern of his hair on its exterior. Known for her skill as an artist, it is possible Julia Fisher painted the portrait.Made/Created
Date made
circa 1901Place
City
Columbia, South CarolinaMark, Engraving or Stamp
Type
LabelLocation
BacksideTranscription
Mrs. W.K. Bachman Columbia S.C.Material/Technique
EtchedDimensions
Width
1/8 inLength
2-3/4 inMaterial
Metal, Paint, HairRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Sylvan Bros
