Cape silver hairpin by Johan Hendrik Vos, circa 1834- 1850.
Hairpins were popular with the Malay woman at the Cape during the 19th century and examples are also found in Straits Chinese silverware made for the nonyas (Malay honorific referring to a married lady).
See ‘Straits Chinese Silver, A Collector’s Guide by Ho Wing Meng’ page 114-119 for similar designs.
Johan Hendrik Vos (Junior)- Active 1834- 1849
The son of Jacobus Johannes Vos (1785) and Susanna Sophia Lotter, baptized at the Cape on the 19th of January 1806. Married Hillegonda Hendrika Aspeling. Died on 9th February 1849. Recorded as working from 1834 to 1841 at 11 Buitengracht, then 73 Buitengracht from 1842 to 1848. Finally from 78 Buitengracht from 1849 to 1850.
Dimensions: 19 cm long by 1.95 cm across the top.
Weight: 12 grams.