Rare antique Edwardian silver souvenir brooch to commemorate the 1906 opening of the Newport Transporter Bridge (Pont Gludo Casnewydd) in Wales, Britain.

Signed RJW for silversmith Richard John Wakefield.

This is a special antique brooch. It depicts one of only three transporter bridges left in Britain. Now a Grade 1 listed structure, the Newport Transporter was officially opened on 12th September 1906 by Godfrey Charles Morgan, Viscount Tredegar. Looking more like a floating platform than a bridge, cars and people were ferried over the river Usk by a suspended 'gondola' that hangs from the upper suspension bridge.

Designed by Ferdinand Arnodin, the bridge cost £98,000 and was powered by electricity at a time when most houses only had gas lighting and coal heating.

At the height of innovation at the time, the bridge is the largest of only eight historic transporter bridges left in the world. It is an amazing feat of engineering and a beautiful structure. The bridge is currently closed due to restoration but will be open again next year.

Here's a fascinating British Film Institute clip from the actual 1906 opening ceremony showing the VIPs being transported across the river (note the contrast between the toffs in their top hats and the working class in their caps): https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/19029630.watch-opening-newport-transporter-bridge-1906/

This clip shows the actual bridge in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxzOQwktMCc

The brooch is fully hallmarked for sterling silver, Chester England and the letter F, which denotes the year 1906. I have seen only one other of this design, in gold and available to buy on another platform for over £200.

Width: 1.1
Length: 3.9

Condition: very good, see images

Important: Please keep all beads, sharp and small items of jewellery away from young children as they could present a choking hazard.

All vintage items have been pre-used, unless stated otherwise, and may have gentle signs of wear.

Boxes shown are for display only. This will be sent in new packaging.

Delivery:
UK delivery is included.
International buyers, please see the shipping calculator at checkout and ensure you select the tracking option if you require it or contact me prior to purchase.
Please contact me prior to purchase if you need your item for a specific date.

For antique and vintage clothing, jewellery & accessories:
Website: www.hurdyburdy.com

Instagram @hurdyburdyvintage
Facebook @hurdyburdyvintage

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Rare antique Edwardian silver souvenir brooch to commemorate the 1906 opening of the Newport Transporter Bridge (Pont Gludo Casnewydd) in Wales, Britain.

Signed RJW for silversmith Richard John Wakefield.

This is a special antique brooch. It depicts one of only three transporter bridges left in Britain. Now a Grade 1 listed structure, the Newport Transporter was officially opened on 12th September 1906 by Godfrey Charles Morgan, Viscount Tredegar. Looking more like a floating platform than a bridge, cars and people were ferried over the river Usk by a suspended 'gondola' that hangs from the upper suspension bridge.

Designed by Ferdinand Arnodin, the bridge cost £98,000 and was powered by electricity at a time when most houses only had gas lighting and coal heating.

At the height of innovation at the time, the bridge is the largest of only eight historic transporter bridges left in the world. It is an amazing feat of engineering and a beautiful structure. The bridge is currently closed due to restoration but will be open again next year.

Here's a fascinating British Film Institute clip from the actual 1906 opening ceremony showing the VIPs being transported across the river (note the contrast between the toffs in their top hats and the working class in their caps): https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/19029630.watch-opening-newport-transporter-bridge-1906/

This clip shows the actual bridge in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxzOQwktMCc

The brooch is fully hallmarked for sterling silver, Chester England and the letter F, which denotes the year 1906. I have seen only one other of this design, in gold and available to buy on another platform for over £200.

Width: 1.1
Length: 3.9

Condition: very good, see images

Important: Please keep all beads, sharp and small items of jewellery away from young children as they could present a choking hazard.

All vintage items have been pre-used, unless stated otherwise, and may have gentle signs of wear.

Boxes shown are for display only. This will be sent in new packaging.

Delivery:
UK delivery is included.
International buyers, please see the shipping calculator at checkout and ensure you select the tracking option if you require it or contact me prior to purchase.
Please contact me prior to purchase if you need your item for a specific date.

For antique and vintage clothing, jewellery & accessories:
Website: www.hurdyburdy.com

Instagram @hurdyburdyvintage
Facebook @hurdyburdyvintage

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