Magnificent Hussar and buying Saber Brooch with Chain, 1940s/50s

King Matthias Corvinus* is credited with recruiting and commanding the first Hussars, collectively known as the Black Army of Hungary. That was in about 1480, and this dramatic brooch illustrates what these mounted warriors looked like, back then and for generations going forward.

We believe this remarkable hunk of silver was forged in either the 1940s or '50s. It features the head and upper shoulders of a Hussar, wearing a tall fur hat, a mustache, a uniform jacket, and decorative epaulets. He is attached by two hefty chains to a mighty saber with a heavily embellished handle. The whole piece is three dimensional, with darker surface areas settled into the sculpted indentations on the fur hat, the buttons, the facial features, etc. The smoother silver areas are also marked with random bits of tarnish (which we like).

The brooch is marked with the word STERLING (barely legible, but there). Each of the two pieces is backed with a barrel-type clasp. Taken together, it weighs an astonishing 1.57 ounces, although we're thinking the chain is steel, so perhaps the silver weight is a bit less. It's also large, with the sword measuring 3.25 inches long. Condition is excellent.

We imagine that your personal Hussar and saber would look smashing worn on a big, buying flowing coat. Works well for bold women or exceptionally stylish men.

*Just because the name is similar, don't expect this brooch to protect you from Coronavirus. Wear a mask.