Propeller Plane Figural Brooch
Decorative art, jewelry, costume brooch • Manufactured for or by a commercial fashion accessory brand (likely mass-market or boutique giftware)
Style & Movement
Retro-Revival / Novelty Jewelry
Medium & Technique
Cast base metal with gold-tone plating or faux-gold finish; mechanical assembly with screws.
Creation Period
Late 20th century (c. 1980s - 1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Small-scale accessory; approximately 2 to 3 inches in wing span.
Subject Description
A stylized avian or aeronautical form representing a propeller-driven monoplane with vertical tail fin and horizontal stabilizers. The underside shows assembly screws and a recessed maker's mark.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant wear to the metallic plating reveals the base metal underneath.
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired through secondary market retail or personal collection. Contains a maker's mark within a cartouche on the fuselage.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of late 20th-century novelty jewelry trends focusing on transportation motifs and industrial aesthetics.
Notable Features
Features visible Phillips-head screws on the undercarriage, an embossed maker's mark in a rectangular cartouche, and a faux-industrial finish.
Condition Issues
Surface abrasions, loss of gold-tone plating on high-contact points, oxidation of metal, and minor dirt accumulation in recessed areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid chemical cleaners that may further strip the remaining plating; store in a dry environment.