Overview
This is a bold, whimsical 'critter' brooch, a staple of mid-century fashion that turned the garden's inhabitants into high-style accessories.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a bold, whimsical 'critter' brooch, a staple of mid-century fashion that turned the garden's inhabitants into high-style accessories.
Story
Post-war fashion in the 1950s embraced a playful surrealism, where a giant grasshopper on one's shoulder was considered the height of chic. These pieces were designed to be conversation starters, breaking the formality of structured suits and heavy wool coats with a dash of humor.
Maker / Origin
While this piece appears unsigned, it follows the tradition of great American costume houses like Coro, Trifari, and Weiss.
Condition & Value
There is visible wear and some loss to the yellow enamel on the main body, which is typical for a piece that has been worn over many decades. The metal shows a light patina consistent with age, and the stones appear intact. The enamel loss reduces the value slightly but doesn't diminish its charm as a wearable piece of history.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375