Rosalind Harris and the Edinburgh Brooch

From 10.30am every Sunday, in an Upper West Side school and playground on West 76^th Street, there is a flea market where one can pick up furniture, jewellery, carpets, books, etc. I wasn't able to get there on the first Sunday of my visit but wandered around the following Sunday seeking a bargain.

Inside the school I casually strolled around the hall and came across this brooch being sold by Rosalind Harris.

Rosalind suggested that the brooch depicts a European cathedral in oil on mother-of-pearl from around 1900. It is of course the Scott Monument, the castle and the RSA in Princes Street Gardens. I didn't like to tell Rosalind I knew the subject of the painting as I haggled over the price. A French couple heard her talking about the picture and helpfully suggested they might know where it was. Thankfully they didn't recognise the picture and I continued beating down the price until I was comfortable paying what I did.

During the course of negotiations Rosalind noticed I wasn't from these parts. I told her I am British. When I was giving her my address for the receipt I noted my address in Scotland. Rosalind was surprised to find I was could be British and come from Scotland.

But no, there's more. Rosalind explained that she was an actress and had appeared in several films. Perhaps I'd seen 'Fiddler on the Roof', well, she had played the eldest daughter, Tzeitel, in the film. Rosalind also played opposite Angela Lansbury in 'Mrs Claus'. Anyway, when visiting friends on my return home I mentioned the story of how I bought the brooch. Astonishingly, they had recorded 'Fiddler on the Roof' around the same time on Sunday that I'd been speaking with Rosalind. M******* found the tape and sure enough there on tv was Rosalind.

Do you know anything about the design of the brooch? What was 'Lane's Patent'? How much is it worth? Make me an offer !

Rosalind sells "Fabulous Vintage Jewelery" with the slogan "As You Liked It". She can be contacted on [212] 877-4020.