A striking double snake brooch in silver and gold, with a central rod and flame set with 8 rubies. It was made during or just after the 1st world war. It has engraved on the reverse Ardgowan auxillary hospital 1917-1919. Ardgowan house on the Firth of Clyde , Scotland, is an 18th century house which was used as a hospital during both world wars. The design is the magic wand of the Greek god Mercury, which the medical profession adopted.