Vintage Morpho Butterfly Wing Brooch, Hoffman STERLING

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Morpho Butterfly wing brooch, Engraved Hoffman Sterling This is the sale of a genuine Morpho butterfly wing brooch. One can tell the wings are genuine; one can see the edges of individual wings under a loop. The subject of the scene is classic Deco and Retro period, not contemporary! The setting is sterling silver with a dark patina, decorated with beautiful pierced engraving depicting ivy and vines . It is marked, "Hoffman Sterling." . The cabochon shows an ocean shore scene -- sand grasses and a placid sea. It is rendered in reverse painting, primarily a black silhouette, and a touch of orange for the moon and moon shadow on the water. Real butterfly wings from the South American species, Morpho, were imported to England and raised for use in creating the intense blue color . The cabochon is resin. From what is known about the history of butterfly jewelry and jewelry developments, it is likely the brooch was made in England during the 1940s . [1] The brooch is in good condition . The sterling setting has acquired a heavy patina over time, adding value. The cabochon is still clear and the surface is free of scratches. Most wings are still their original intense blue. T are two flaws to report; the first flaw is a repair, the second flaw cannot be repaired, but is not ruinous. · · The brooch pin is an obvious replacement, being held by a piece of wire rather than a screw. The repair is effective and not visible when the brooch is worn. The new owner could have the hinge screw professionally replaced for little cost. · · The wings around the edges of the cabochon are discolored -a muddy brown rather than the blue of fresh and preserved wings. Examine the photos closely before bidding to judge the seriousness of this flaw for yourself. I wouldn't hesitate to wear the brooch, not from low standards, but because even I didn't notice the flaw until after the photos were taken. This is a beautiful, collectible brooch. If you are looking to add a piece of butterfly wing jewelry to your collection, why not something with as fine a setting as this brooch -- engraved sterling by an expert craftsman. It is reasonably priced because it is not perfect, making it an affordable investment. [1] The information about butterfly jewelry supporting this conclusion come from Pamela Wiggins, "A Butterfly Collection of a Different Sort," for Antiques (/od/otherfabfinds/a/aa041202.htm.) · Most butterfly wings jewelry was produced from the 1920s to 1950s in Brazil and England. During that time, Morpho butterflies were captured in South America and raised on farms in Europe for use in many decorative items including jewelry. · English-made butterfly jewelry was distinguished by silver settings with decorative borders. · During the first two decades of the jewelry's popularity, 1920s and 1930s, cabochons would have been made from glass or crystal. That changed with the development of clear plastic resins in the late 1930s. · The pin mechanism has the type of hinge w the pin is secured by a separate screw or rivet passing through the pin base. By the 1950s, jewelry technology had changed in favor pinch type hinges without the separate screw or rivet. Buyer requirement: Only eBay members who have left NO negative feedback for others in the past three months are eligible to bid on this listing. Why? Because what you say about others reveals more about you than what anyone else might write about you if they only could. Unfairly excluded? I want to trade with rational, well-adjusted adults. This requirement is intended to screen out eBay malcontents. If you wanted to bid, and feel this policy unfairly excluded you, please voice your opinion using the "Ask the seller a question" form. PLEASE DO NOT BID before you have read these terms. DO NOT BID if you disagree with the terms. The following are the ... read more

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