estateRUTH.

Identification

Vintage Brass Owl and Horseshoe 'Good Luck' Pendant

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

Visual inspection confirms an unmarked base metal (likely brass) pendant featuring novelty motifs: an owl in relief on the obverse and an upturned horseshoe with 'GOOD LUCK' on the reverse.

Story

This piece belongs to the broad tradition of mid-20th-century talismanic and novelty jewelry. During the 1960s and 1970s, brass pendants featuring nature motifs and 'good luck' symbols became highly popular in everyday fashion. While the specific manufacturer is currently unconfirmed, the style is characteristic of the era's costume jewelry production. The secondary market for mid-century brass novelty jewelry is active but primarily driven by accessible price points.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the provided images, the pendant exhibits a warm, antiqued patina consistent with its age. There are no immediately visible structural damages, such as deep scratches or broken suspension loops.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for mid-century brass novelty jewelry is active but primarily driven by accessible price points. Buyers are typically vintage fashion enthusiasts looking for unique, wearable statement pieces rather than high-value investments. Items with popular motifs like owls and horseshoes move steadily on platforms like Etsy, Poshmark, and eBay, usually trading between $15 and $50 depending on condition and scale.

Value Drivers

▲ Popular dual-motif design (owl and horseshoe) appeals to vintage novelty collectors.

▲ Warm, intact patina consistent with mid-century brass jewelry.

▲ Verified secondary market sales for similar brass owl pendants establish a solid $15-$25 floor.

Concerns

▼ Unverified dimensions — a smaller-than-expected scale could push the value toward the lower end of the range.

▼ Unverified maker's marks — the current valuation anchors to an unmarked baseline; confirming a notable maker could shift the tier.

Best Venue

List the pendant on a vintage-friendly marketplace like Etsy or eBay to reach buyers interested in mid-century fashion. A fast-sale price of $15-$20 is appropriate, while an optimistic listing could target $35-$45 if the piece is particularly large or heavy. Providing exact dimensions and close-up photos of the edges will help secure the higher end of the range.

Upside Potential

If close inspection reveals a recognized designer or studio stamp on the edge or suspension loop, or if the pendant is exceptionally large (over 3 inches), the value could exceed the current high estimate and approach the $60-$80 collector tier.

▾

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 5 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Madel Jewelry
    Annie Necklace - Vintage brass horseshoe pendant
    Horseshoe pendant; lacks the primary owl motif.
    $145
  • Etsy UK
    Vintage Brass Horseshoe Compass Pendant Necklace
    Horseshoe compass pendant; lacks the primary owl motif.
    $60
  • Inspire Uplift
    Vintage Brass Owl Bell Good Luck Charm for Keychains, Wind Chimes and Home Decor
    Bell charm for keychains/decor, not a jewelry pendant medallion.
    $40
  • eBay
    Vintage Good Luck Charm Puffy Heart Pendant Horseshoe Vintage Jewelry Brass
    Puffy heart and horseshoe design; lacks the primary owl motif.
    $10
  • Etsy
    Vintage Raw Brass LUCKY LITTLE HORSESHOE Good Luck Charm Pendant Gold Stamping Bracelet Earrings Necklace Anklet
    Simple horseshoe charm; lacks the owl motif.
    $6