Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Cold-Enameled Flying Pheasant Brooch

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a charming mid-century novelty brooch depicting a ring-necked pheasant in mid-flight, featuring vibrant, hand-applied cold enamel paint over a gold-tone base metal. Marked 'KOREA' on the pin mechanism, it represents the post-war boom of colorful, affordable fashion jewelry exported to Western markets.

Story

During the mid-20th century, South Korea emerged as a major hub for producing whimsical, hand-painted novelty jewelry. This pheasant brooch captured the era's love for the great outdoors and sporting motifs, transforming a game bird into a bright, wearable piece of pop art.

Maker / Origin

While the specific workshop remains anonymous, the 'KOREA' stamp points to the bustling export manufacturing sector of Seoul and surrounding areas in the 1960s and 70s. These factories employed skilled local artisans who hand-painted thousands of metal castings daily, creating a massive variety of flora and fauna designs for export.

Condition & Value

The brooch shows moderate wear consistent with age and use. There is noticeable paint chipping and loss on the central wing joint and the tip of the tail feathers, exposing the metal underneath. The pin mechanism on the back is intact and functional.

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

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.