metal and likely celluloid brooch - 1930s?

[persephone60]

I think this is celluloid, though I haven't tested it. I know a lot of older celluloid pieces are from the 1930s, but the shape of this brooch and the c-clasp makes me think it might be a bit earlier. Maybe 1920s? Thoughts? My jewelry knowledge is still a bit rough. Thanks!

 

[retro ruth]

I don't know the answer to this, but bumping it up in case someone else does, as I'd like to know myself!

 

[cmpollack]

What size is your brooch (ie how long)? And can you post a closer shot of the hinge--it looks like a tube hinge, but I can't quite see.

I have a faux coral rose stickpin that I believe is c 1900s; don't know if it's celluloid per se or just an early thermoplastic but I do think that there were substitutes for coral (which was really popular in Victorian jewelry).

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hi,

I have a few pieces of faux coral items, dress clips, a hat pin and a few brooches. Mine are all from the later 1910's to 1930's. All of the pieces I have seen from pre 1930s have the coral (plastic, etc) set in prongs, some sort of setting or bezel. Yours looks glued on (?). I suspect that maybe your brooch is a marriage between an older backing and a later plastic coral piece. The metal part looks older, and the glued coral looks added to me. Of course I certainly could be wrong as I am not a jewelry expert, just have seen a lot over the years.

I took a second look and is that metal marked sterling on the back? If so it could be a gold wash over sterling, so a plastic coral is an odd match.

I can say it is charming and very sweet.

 

[Metro Retro Vintage]

Sweet pin -- it looks typically 20's/30's and agree that it is celluloid.

 

[persephone60]

Sorry for the delayed response--work has been crazy, and I haven't had a chance to check back here recently.

Carrie, the brooch is about 2" long. The hinge is narrower than a tube hinge (it appears to be a narrower round hinge).

Barbara, I think you're right that the coral plastic piece is glued on. And I couldn't see any markings on the back, so I don't think its sterling.

Laura, thanks! 1920s-1930s is what my gut was telling me.