The World Famous Lord's Prayer Pin Revealed After 90 Years

The idea of engraving an image or phrase onto a pin, often gold stickpins, or lapel pin, was immensely popular during the Edwardian and Victorian eras. these beautiful works of nineteenth century art most often depicted a floral design or a few chosen words. The tradition of miniature antique engravings resulted in beautiful pins created with understated elegance. Prized possessions, they were expertly crafted by experienced engravers who were known for having hands steady enough to create a work of art on such a small scale.

The Lord’s Prayer pin represents an amazing example of this tradition. it is engraved on the head of a gold pin that is even smaller than usual, measuring just.047 inch in diameter. despite its tiny size, it holds over 1800 strokes of the engraver’s tool, making it both much smaller and much more detailed than most miniature antique engravings. The creator, Godfrey Lungberg, designed the stylus tool used for this project, as those available at the time were not fine enough to enable him to create engravings on such a small scale. though many examples exist of miniature antique engravings, the Lord’s Prayer pin is the finest example of this type of art. it was also one of the last examples of this craft, having been created for the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco.

Following the exposition, the pin traveled the country for two years, during which time audiences could catch a glimpse of the pin. The letters on the Lord’s Prayer pin, 254 in all, are so tiny that they are not discernible unless placed under a microscope. Once judged to be “the smallest piece of hand engraving in the world,” this beautiful gem must be seen to be truly appreciated. Not only is it engraved onto the smallest possible surface, but it contains twelve rows of text, much more work than is seen on most miniature antique engravings. this amazing accomplishment has yet to be duplicated or surpassed by any other engraver, making it a one-of-a-kind spectacle and a prized example of miniature antique engravings.

These miniature antique engravings are quite unusual because of the level of skill required to create them. such pins were created before computers and other technology allowed for automated design; every stroke on the Lord’s Prayer pin was added by hand, at the rate of just two to three strokes per day. In all, it took Lundberg nearly three years to inscribe the entire prayer onto the head of the pin.

Though this unusual pin enjoyed widespread popularity following its creation, the Lord’s Prayer pin has been kept in a bank vault for over 90 years, sealed inside a case that has preserved it perfectly. it has not been exhibited to the public seen since the end of its 43-state viewing tour in 1917. to learn more about this very rare antique collectible, please read other articles, Wikipedia posting on Godfrey Lundberg or on our website below.

Article author Tim Warren has come to represent the antique collectible engraving, Lords' Prayer hand engraved on the head of a small gold pin. Please visit our website dedicated to this rare antique collectible and the incredible story of the Lord's Pin Engraver, Godfrey Lundberg.