Cold Painted White Metal - WWII Vintage Eagle - Patriotic Brooch

Jewelry : Vintage : Costume : Cold Painted Enamel1940's Patriotic Brooch : Eagle

 

Offered here is a huge patriotic brooch made in the USA circa 1940. The Bald Eagle seated on a fruit filled branch suggests an American state of peace in a time of plenty, a desirable notion when the world was at war.

The advent of World War II brought a patriotic spirit into daily life for many. Every day utilitarian and decorative items were redesigned with flags, eagles & stars; motifs representing the USA. The government restricted most natural materials, including the precious metals and alloys used to make jewelry. Costume jewelry manufacturers contributed to the “war effort” by using pot metal (white metal) in the production of brooches, necklaces, purse frames, belts and other accessories.

This hand painted pot metal patriotic theme brooch is a quintessential example of vintage wartime jewelry. It is a weighty and large piece showing a little enamel rubbing at the high spots and edges. The wear shows much more in the photos than it actually does appear. The huge brooch measures 4” across at its widest by 3” tall. The molded white base metal has been beautifully decorated by hand with cold painted enamels. The deeply textured feathers are painted in various gold tones with leaves painted in shades of pearlescent green and glass cabochon fruits accented with pearly yellow. The eagle’s eye winks with an emerald green colored crystal. The closure is a “C” clasp.

This outstanding and rare brooch is in excellent vintage condition. It is not signed but is most certainly American in origin.

Shipping and insurance are included with the purchase. Thank you for stopping by my Ruby Lane shop today, please have a look at some of the other pieces of vintage costume jewelry I am offering.

Item ID: TDH Patriotic