Timeless Parisian elegance for your collection with this stunning Art Deco revival brooch. Attributed to the renowned French costume jewelry maker Pierre Bex, this gorgeous navette-shaped (marquise) pin is heavily inspired by 1920s geometric design patterns.

Design &amp; Craftsmanship:
Front Visuals: Features intricate, symmetrical geometric styling adorned with rich black and plum/purple cold-painted enamel, accented by distinct ochre-yellow panels. The frame and center focal point are neatly accented with shimmering clear crystal rhinestones.
Reverse Construction: Built on a textured silver-plated base, the piece features an authentic, vintage French trombone safety clasp (push-pull mechanism) typical of fine continental European production.

At least half of all original Pierre Bex jewelry was never signed on the metal. Instead, pieces were traditionally sold attached to branded Pierre Bex paper presentation cards or distributed with temporary hang-tags. Because these tags were discarded by the original owners, a vast majority of authentic pieces on the secondary market today are physically unmarked. Savvy vintage collectors rely entirely on the distinct manufacturing hallmarks—such as the clear resin glaze over the rhinestones, the cold enamel styling, and the iconic French trombone clasp—to verify authenticity.

About the Designer:The French jewelry house Pierre Bex operated out of Bry-sur-Marne, France, from 1969 until the late 1980s. The factory became world-renowned for its high-quality Art Deco and Art Nouveau revival pieces. To achieve absolute era-accuracy, Pierre Bex masterfully utilized original, antique 1920s metal molds, stampings, and tools that had been archived since the turn of the century. Every piece was intricately handmade in France using a copper alloy base, heavily silver-plated with an antique finish, and hand-painted with cold enamels. They are instantly recognizable by their specialized protective coating: a clear enamel resin layered over the crystals to seal the stones safely in place and grant the piece a brilliant, smooth depth. Because the factory shuttered its production doors permanently in the late 1980s, these meticulous, limited-run pieces have become increasingly rare and highly sought after by costume jewelry collectors worldwide.


SHIPPING AVAILABLE FOR THIS AUCTION: FOR CANADA &amp; US. LOCAL PICKUP ALSO AVAILABLE.
                
                
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Vintage Pierre Bex Art Deco Enamel Brooch – Navette Pin with French Trombone Clasp

Vintage Art Deco revival brooch attribution to the renowned French maker Pierre Bex. This piece features a bold, geometric &#34;Skyscraper&#34; or architectural design reminiscent of 1930s industrial glamour. Hand-crafted using traditional French methods, the metalwork is beautifully balanced by rich, deep-toned enameling and rows of brilliant crystal rhinestones.The brooch includes a distinct clear protective resin overlay across the enameled sections—a definitive signature of high-quality French workshop production from this era. This timeless piece is perfect for vintage jewelry enthusiasts, art deco collectors, or anyone seeking a standout accessory.

SpecificationsBrand/Maker: Attributed to Pierre Bex (Unsigned, which is standard for the vast majority of original Bex production)Origin: Made in FrancePeriod: Late 20th Century (Circa 1970s–1980s Art Deco Revival Era)Design Motif: Geometric Art Deco / Skyscraper / Stepped ColumnMaterials: Silver-plated copper base, hand-applied geometric enamel, clear resin lacquer topcoatStone Accents: Round-cut clear crystal rhinestones. Clasp Type: Traditional French safety clasp / trombone clasp style mechanism

Notes of Interest for CollectorsAuthenticity Marker: Pierre Bex jewelry was famously manufactured utilizing original, early 20th-century tooling and stampings found in old Parisian factories. This gives the piece its authentic, crisp Deco lines despite its later production date.Condition Appeal: The protective lacquer coating keeps the underlying enamel from chipping, meaning these pieces regularly present in exceptionally clean, vibrant condition compared to true 1930s counterparts.

Because the factory closed, no new pieces can ever be produced from those historic stampings. The items circulating on the market today represent the final finite pool of original stock, ensuring the brand maintains a dedicated following among costume jewelry collectors.
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Vintage Pierre Bex French Art Deco Revival Enamel &#38; Rhinestone &#34;Skyscraper&#34; Brooch

Vintage gold-tone souvenir brooch commemorating one of the most significant engineering and economic milestones in North American history: the 1959 official opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Styled as a classic sailing vessel, this piece elegantly captures the nautical spirit of the historic deep-water shipping channel.Design DetailsFront Inscriptions: The textured, brushed gold-tone main sail features beautifully embossed detailing, reading &#34;1959&#34;, &#34;SEAWAY&#34;, and the Royal Cypher &#34;ER&#34; (or EIIR, representing Elizabetha Regina II), honoring Queen Elizabeth II’s direct involvement in the dedication ceremonies.Finishing: Features an eye-catching contrast between the matte/brushed texture of the sails and the high-polish, bright gold-tone finish of the hull and mast. Three distinct portholes accent the vessel&#39;s hull.Reverse: Features a standard safety pin stem and rollover clasp mechanism typical of mid-century novelty and souvenir jewelry.

Object Type: Novelty / Commemorative Souvenir BroochTheme: Nautical / Maritime / Royalty & Historical EventsMaterial: Gold-plated or gold-tone base metalPeriod: 1959 (Mid-Century Modern)

Notes of Interest for CollectorsThe Royal Connection: This pin was produced to mark the 1959 Royal Tour of Canada, during which Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially opened the Seaway aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Novelty jewelry carrying the &#34;ER&#34; Royal Cypher from this historic tour is highly sought after by both maritime historians and British Royalty memorabilia collectors.Condition Appeal: Souvenir pieces from this era often show heavy wear or plating loss. This particular example retains vibrant gold-tone luster with minimal oxidation, making it an excellent addition to a mid-century display.
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Vintage 1959 St. Lawrence Seaway Opening Commemorative Sailboat Brooch – Royal Cypher ER

This is an exceptional example of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modernist design. Crafted in Norway during the 1960s or 1970s, this heavy cast bronze brooch features a complex, openwork geometric &#34;wheel&#34; design. The piece perfectly encapsulates the Brutalist and abstract jewelry movements that flourished across the Nordic regions during this golden era of design.

The face of the brooch highlights a web of open concentric rings layered beneath a radiating multi-spoke wheel. Raised, highly polished geometric squares anchor the intersections, contrasting beautifully with the raw, deeply textured, bark-like finish of the bronze framing. It features both a secure rollover safety pin mechanism to be worn as a brooch, and integrated bail structures hidden on the reverse side so it can seamlessly function as a statement necklace pendant. The reverse side carries a clear, authentic maker’s hallmark: stamped &#34;Design Knut P.&#34; and &#34;Norway&#34;.

Collector’s Notes & SignificanceBrutalist Aesthetic: The combination of architectural geometry and heavily textured bronze finishes makes this style highly sought after by collectors of global mid-century modernism and Scandinavian design. Versatility: Dual-purpose wearable art pieces (functioning as both a brooch and a pendant) carry a higher demand on the secondary market because of their styling adaptability. Patina Preservation: The deep, warm, original age-toning gives the piece excellent visual contrast between its recessed, dark textures and highlighted polished accents.

Knut Paulsen was a noted Norwegian studio jeweler operating primarily out of the mid-to-late 20th century. His work is famous for capturing raw, organic elements inspired by nature, traditional Nordic history, and the raw lines of the Brutalist art movement. Alongside other iconic Scandinavian modernists of the time like Pentti Sarpaneva and Else & Paul, Paulsen elevated bronze—often considered a humble metal—into highly sculptural, wearable fine art.
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Vintage Knut Paulsen Brutalist Bronze &#34;Wheel&#34; Brooch / Pendant – Norway, c. 1960s-1970s

Beautiful pair of vintage Girl Guides Brownie Pixie Promise pins. These highly collectible insignia pieces feature the iconic dancing pixie figure balanced atop a wide horizontal bar, traditionally worn by young Brownies to signify their official entry and dedication to the movement.Both pins feature a bright gold-tone/brass finish with traditional pin-back enclosures, capturing decades of scouting nostalgia. Perfect for additions to scouting collections, historical memorabilia displays, or vintage accessory enthusiasts.

The Origins of the &#34;Brownie Pixie&#34;: When Lord Baden-Powell first launched the junior branch of the Girl Guides in 1914, they were originally called &#34;Rosebuds&#34; and wore a simple flower emblem. The girls felt the name was too delicate, leading to a rebrand into &#34;Brownies&#34; in 1915, inspired by the magical, helpful household spirits from Juliana Horatia Ewing’s story The Brownies.The Design History: The earliest Brownie membership pins featured simple figures that easily broke. In 1922, the British Girl Guides association officially introduced and patented this specific &#34;Pixie on a Wide Bar&#34; brass design under Registration No. 689495. The design proved incredibly sturdy and successful, remaining the staple Promise Badge design for generations from the 1920s all the way through the 1970s.
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Pair of Vintage Girl Guides Brownie Pixie Promise Pins - Brass Tone Membership Badges

Modern Art Deco style bar brooch featuring a bold geometric layout. Designed to echo the high-fashion geometric symmetry of the 1920s, this eye-catching pin serves as a great statement piece for vintage enthusiasts and costume jewelry lovers alike.The front features a gold-tone ground detailed with abstract geometric linework, contrasting beautifully with a central stylized pyramid sunburst finished in deep metallic wine-red and brown enameling. The front surface is completed with a clear, smooth protective top coat that gives it a beautiful lacquer sheen. The reverse side features a silver-tone finish and is secured by a standard glue-on bar pin back with a functional safety catch.
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Art Deco Style Geometric Enamel Bar Brooch - Sunburst Pyramid Pin, Red &#38; Gold

Trio of timeless mid-century costume jewelry brooches. Each piece showcases classic vintage charm, balancing detailed gold-toned metalwork with luminous faux pearls and brilliant rhinestone accents. Perfect for individual wear on blazers and coats, or as a bundled find for vintage fashion enthusiasts.

Center Piece: Sarah Coventry &#34;Endearing&#34; Wreath Brooch (1965)Designer: Signed &#34;SARAH COV&#34; on the reverse.Design: A beautifully detailed circular wreath featuring textured, overlapping botanical leaves adorned with three central clustered faux pearls.Dimensions: Approximately 1.5 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter.Closure: Traditional rolling C-clasp mechanism.

History of Sarah Coventry JewelryFounded in 1949 by Charles H. Stuart in Newark, New York, Sarah Coventry became one of the most celebrated costume jewelry brands of the 20th century. Unlike traditional designers, the company outsourced its manufacturing and did not sell its jewelry in retail stores. Instead, they grew to massive popularity through a direct-selling party plan strategy, where independent hostesses showcased fashion lines at home jewelry parties.The center piece in this lot is the recognized &#34;Endearing&#34; wreath design released in 1965, which is a widely documented &#34;book piece&#34; valued by collectors for its iconic nature-inspired mid-century aesthetic.
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3 Vintage MCM Gold-Tone Faux Pearl &#38; Rhinestone Brooches (Inc. Signed Sarah Coventry)

Antique Art Nouveau Religious Sweetheart Brooch - Northern Publishing Office (Belfast) Scripture Tokens & Scissor Charm Kept-Token (c. 1910s–1920s)

This is a fascinating and highly unique piece of regional religious history and Edwardian-era sentimental jewelry. The item is an antique custom-assembled &#34;sweetheart&#34; style fob brooch made of stamped brass. It features three distinct dangling charms suspended by delicate chains from a curved top bar attachment.Rather than standard commercial jewelry findings, the core of this assembly consists of two rare, authentic Sunday School reward tokens manufactured for The Northern Publishing Office (N.P.O.) in Belfast, Ireland. A tiny pair of miniature scissors completes the trilogy of charms, likely representing a personal domestic token, a family connection to tailoring/dressmaking, or a symbolic cutting-away of worldly sin.Technical SpecificationsType: Multi-charm Sentimental Brooch / Fob PinCirca Era: Edwardian to early Interwar period (c. 1910s – 1920s)Material: Die-stamped brass / copper-alloy with an antique golden patina.

Historical Notes on the Producer: The N.P.O.The Northern Publishing Office (N.P.O.) Ltd. was an influential private printing and publishing house operating out of 42 & 44 Ann Street in Belfast, Northern Ireland throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While they actively published religious literature, they became well-recognized for distributing these highly detailed brass, bronze, and aluminum &#34;medalets&#34; or token prizes.These pieces were widely handed out across the British Isles as rewards for attendance, memory recitation, and exemplary behavior in Sunday Schools (frequently connected to Presbyterian, Anglican, and Methodist congregations of Ulster). Historical archives note that while the N.P.O. designed and commissioned these pieces, the die-striking itself was often outsourced to specialized metalwork mints in Birmingham, England, or pre-WWI Germany.Collector&#39;s Notes of InterestThe &#34;Trench Art&#34; or Custom Assembly Appeal: What elevates this item is its bespoke nature. Rather than remaining isolated pocket coins, a contemporary jeweler or a loved one chained, and mounted these distinct tokens into a singular piece of wearable jewelry.Dual-Market Value: This piece cross-collects exceptionally well. It appeals aggressively to numismatists specializing in Irish/British trade tokens and regional Sunday School medals, as well as collectors of antique sentimental sweetheart jewelry.Exceptional Preservation: The text on both faces remains remarkably crisp, sharp, and highly legible with an unpolished, authentic historic patina that collectors prefer.
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Antique Art Nouveau Religious Sweetheart Brooch - Northern Publishing Office (Belfast)

Delightful six-piece estate collection of vintage, historical, and novelty lapel pins and brooches. Spanning from the early 20th-century Art Deco period to mid-century novelty styles, this curated assortment features intricate enameling, promotional design, and classic silhouette motifs. Perfect for a vintage jewelry reseller or a dedicated collector of specialized pinbacks.

Individual Piece Specifications & Collector Notes
Art Deco Flying Swallow &#34;Bluebird of Happiness&#34; BroochMaterial: Translucent blue guilloché enamel overlaid on silver-tone base metal. Design Period: Art Deco (circa 1910s–1930s).Historical Background: Swallows in flight were heavily symbolic in the Victorian and Art Deco eras, representing hope, safe journeys, and faithfulness.

&#34;Gracie Fields&#34; Figural Shoe / Boot Clip PinMaterial: Gold-tone cast brass or alloy.Historical Background: Dame Gracie Fields (1898–1979) was an immensely popular English actress, singer, and comedienne who became one of the top stars of the 1930s and 1940s. Figural shoes like this were frequently manufactured in England as theater merchandise, fan club tokens, or corporate advertising premiums (akin to the American &#34;Patriot Shoe&#34; promotional metal trinkets of the same era).

Vintage Cursive &#34;Jane&#34; Name BroochMaterial: Open-frame gold-tone base metal.Design Period: Mid-Century (circa 1950s–1960s).

Multi-Heart Linked Accent Piece (Four connected blue hearts)Material: Gold-tone trim with deep cobalt/navy blue enamel fill.Design Period: Modern Vintage / Late 20th Century retro styling. In vintage costume jewelry—particularly pieces from mid-century manufacturers like Monet or Avon—a horizontal chain of exactly four linked hearts is a clever, stylistic abstraction of a four-leaf clover. When clustered or viewed linearly, each individual heart represents one of the four traditional blessings of the rare clover: Faith, Hope, Love, and Luck.This makes the brooch a popular protective &#34;good luck&#34; talisman or a celebratory St. Patrick&#39;s Day design variant. In the Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-century revival traditions, deep cobalt blue enamel on jewelry carries a designated emotional message:It is the color of Fidelity, Loyalty, and Constancy.Gifting a blue heart pin meant &#34;my heart remains true to you&#34; or &#34;unshakable devotion&#34;.

Hallmark &#34;HMK CDS&#34; Enameled Shamrock PinMaterial: Emerald green poured epoxy/soft resin enamel fill with bright gold-plated edging.Maker Markings: Stamped HMK CDS on the reverse side.Historical Background: Manufactured by Hallmark Cards Co. (HMK) via their internal Contemporary Design Studio (CDS). While known globally for greeting cards, Hallmark produced a coveted line of hand-finished, specialized holiday costume jewelry beginning in the late 1960s. These pins were traditionally sold exclusively in Hallmark crown stores as seasonal collectibles.
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Vintage &#38; Art Deco Brooch &#38; Pin Estate Lot – 6 Pc Ft Guilloché Bluebird, Gracie Fields

Estate collection of four vintage lapel and fraternal pins. This lot features distinct historical makers, fine metal craftsmanship, and highly collectible corporate, fraternal, and regional designs. All pieces are sold together in their vintage, pre-owned condition as shown.

Order of the Eastern Star (OES) Fraternal PinMaterial & Hallmarks: Stamped &#34;STERLING&#34; on the reverse side.Design: A small, beautifully crafted five-pointed inverted star emblem featuring multi-colored geometric sections representing the traditional heroines of the Order.

Mid-Century &#34;Excellence&#34; Award Pin: The &#34;1/10 10KGF&#34; hallmark indicates a high-quality gold-filled item. This means that 10% of the entire piece&#39;s weight consists of bonded 10-karat gold over a base metal core—far more durable and valuable than standard gold plating. 

Other small pins appears to be stamped BIRKS on back.

Heraldic Red Dragon Passant Bar PinMaterial: Painted/fired enamel over a base metal frame with gold-toned accents.Design: A bold, stylized representation of the iconic Red Dragon of Wales (Y Ddraig Goch), standing on a decorative base bar.Collector Interest: Appeals widely to collectors of British/Welsh regional heraldry, military regimental sweetheart badges, and vintage novelty enamel jewelry.
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10K Gold-Fill Pin, Sterling Silver Order of the Eastern Star, Welsh Dragon, Birks

Dive into retro style with this charming 5-piece collection of vintage mid-century marine-themed costume brooches. This curated lot includes a matching pair of colorful seahorses, a modern minimalist whale, a classic rhinestone-accented dolphin, and a whimsical performing circus seal.

While these specific pieces do not bear maker marks, they perfectly embody the whimsical under-the-sea novelty trend that dominated the 1960s and 1970s.Design Styles: The minimalist, clean-lined look of the whale strongly mimics mid-century modern Scandinavian designs popularized by makers like Walter Bosse or Trifari.The Seahorse Paint: The worn red paint on the back of the seahorses is a great clue for collectors—mid-century enamel-on-copper studios and costume designers frequently used cold-painted backings or base primers that wear away over time, validating their authenticity as true vintage items rather than modern reproductions.

Seahorses are famous in the animal kingdom for being one of the few species that mate for life.Because they choose a single partner and remain dedicated to them, a pair of seahorses is a powerful, universal symbol of eternal love, fidelity, and romance.In jewelry, giving or wearing a pair represents a strong, unbreakable bond between two partners. Every single morning, mated seahorse pairs greet each other by performing a synchronized &#34;morning dance.&#34; They twist around each other, change colors to match, and swim tail-in-tail to reinforce their relationship before foraging for food. Because of this ritual, a pair symbolizes harmony, seamless teamwork, and deep emotional connection. From a vintage jewelry standpoint, finding a facing pair (where one curves left and the other curves right, meant to be worn on opposite lapels or collars) drastically increases their desirability. Because individual pins easily get separated and lost over the decades, a surviving matched set is a rarer find that appeals heavily to collectors of romantic or novelty estate jewelry.
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Vintage Mid-Century Marine Figural Brooch Lot (5 Pieces) – Enamel Seahorses, Whale, Dolphi

Vintage Canadian Militaria & Memorabilia Lot – 1937 King George VI Coronation Medal, RCMP Title, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Badges, & Red Cross Insignia

Collection of vintage Canadian militaria, civic service insignia, and commemorative pieces. This curated estate lot features highly detailed pieces spanning military service, royal commemorations, and volunteer healthcare organizations, making it a perfect addition for collectors of Commonwealth history.

1937 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Coronation MedalObverse Description: Crowned profiles of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth facing left, inscribed with their titles and coronation date (May 1937).Reverse Description: Inscribed with &#34;LONG MAY THEY REIGN&#34; layered over detailed ceremonial artwork featuring Westminster Abbey and Britannia.Suspension: Retains its original crimson ribbon with white/blue structural accents.Designer Context: The official obverse profiles for the coronation commemorative medals were produced via the Royal Mint, primarily sculpted by master medallist Percy Metcalfe, renowned for his art-deco influenced royal coinage and profiles across the Commonwealth.

Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Cap/Beret Badges (x2)Design: Features the Roman messenger god Mercury standing atop a globe, surrounded by a circular scroll inscribed with &#34;Royal Canadian Corps of Signals&#34;. The badge is surmounted by the Tudor (King&#39;s) Crown, indicating production during or prior to 1952.Material: Die-struck silver-tone white metal.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Shoulder/Collar Title BadgeDesign: Crisp, block-serif gilt letters reading &#34;RCMP&#34; with rear mounting pins.Material: Heavy brass / gold-tone metal.

Canadian Red Cross Society Lapel Pins (x2)Design: Circular enamel and gold-tone service pins displaying a central red cross flanked by a deep blue enameled band reading &#34;Canadian Red Cross Society&#34;.

Vintage Enameled Canadian Travel Souvenir PinsHamilton Leaf: Rich autumn-toned enamel maple leaf featuring a banner for Hamilton, Ontario.Victoria Leaf: Multi-toned enamel leaf celebrating Victoria, British Columbia.Huntsville Pin: Detailed enameled souvenir pin highlighting Huntsville, Ontario.Charlottetown & Canada Linked Pair: A charming dual-leaf chain-linked set celebrating Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Canada.Collector Note: Mid-century travel pins like these were highly popular keepsakes for tourists exploring Canada&#39;s historic cities, often featuring vibrant, high-quality guilloché enamel work.
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Vintage Canadian Militaria &#38; Memorabilia Lot – 1937 King George VI Coronation Medal, RCMP 

5-piece collection of vintage mid-20th-century Scottish memorabilia and souvenirs. This curated lot features two rare commemorative badges from the historic 1938 Empire Exhibition in Glasgow, a sterling silver thistle tie clip by the renowned silversmiths Ward Brothers, a miniature shield pin featuring components by B.A. Ballou, and a charming hand-embroidered portrait brooch. A wonderful addition for collectors of World’s Fair memorabilia, militaria, or traditional Celtic jewelry.

1938 Empire Exhibition &#34;Lion Rampant&#34; Hanging BroochType: Dangler-style commemorative visitor&#39;s badge.Design: Voided triangular chrome/silver-tone shield suspended via two chain loops from a horizontal bar pin. Features a vibrant red enamel Scottish Lion Rampant above a blue enamel banner reading &#34;EMPIRE EXHIBITION SCOTLAND 1938&#34;.

1938 Empire Exhibition &#34;Tower of Empire&#34; Hanging BroochType: Dangler-style architectural souvenir badge.Design: Depicts the modernist Tait Tower (Tower of Empire) in gold-tone and detailed colored enameling, suspended via a short ring connection from a horizontal bar pin.

Ward Brothers (WBS) Thistle Tie ClipType: Men&#39;s formal tie bar / slide.Design: Traditional Scottish thistle bloom accompanied by a highly detailed, textured serrated leaf.Markings: Reverse is stamped &#34;WBS&#34; along with a series of British silver hallmark symbols.Condition: Excellent structural shape with crisp casting details.

B.A. Ballou Miniature &#34;Scotland&#34; Shield PinType: Lapel / hat pin badge.Design: Shield badge adorned with a white enamel border, text reading &#34;SCOTLAND&#34;, and a central red rampant lion motif.Markings: Reverse finding/clutch mechanism is stamped &#34;BALLOU REGD.&#34;.

Hand-Embroidered Scottie Dog Portrait BroochType: Fabric insert cameo brooch.Design: Oval textile insert showcasing a finely stitched miniature profile of a black Scottish Terrier (Scottie dog) wearing a red collar or tam, framed cleanly within a heavy silver-tone twisted rope bezel.

Historical Background & Manufacturer NotesThe 1938 Empire Exhibition (Glasgow): Held at Bellahouston Park between May and October of 1938, this monumental showcase drew over 12.5 million visitors. The iconic centerpiece was the 300-foot Art Deco Tower of Empire, designed by famed Scottish modernist architect Thomas Tait. Sadly, the actual tower was demolished in late 1939 to prevent it from serving as a geographic navigational beacon for German Luftwaffe bombers during World War II. These souvenir pins remain some of the finest tangible artifacts of this pre-war event.Ward Brothers (WBS): Established in the late 19th century with roots in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Ward Brothers grew into one of the premier British names for traditional Celtic, gemstone, and thistle sterling jewelry. They later relocated production to Birmingham. Their mid-century designs are celebrated by collectors as benchmarks of mid-tier Scottish silversmithing excellence.B.A. Ballou & Co. (&#34;Ballou Reg&#39;d&#34;): Founded by Barton Allan Ballou in Rhode Island in 1876, B.A. Ballou is legendary in jewelry history for inventing and patenting highly reliable industrial findings, pins, and safety catches. During World War II, they produced over 300 million clutch pieces for military forces. The &#34;Ballou Reg&#39;d&#34; stamp signifies that the premium safety pin mechanics were engineered by this iconic American company.

Dangler&#34; or hanging variants of the 1938 exhibition badges are much more uncommon and sought after by World&#39;s Fair enthusiasts than standard single-piece safety badges.The inclusion of the Tait Tower badge provides an increasingly scarce historical connection to a magnificent architectural marvel that no longer stands.
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Sterling Silver Clip, Vintage Scottish Souvenir Lot (5pc) – 1938 Glasgow Empire Exhibition

5 vintage estate brooches and pins, showcasing a beautiful mix of mid-century mod style, whimsical insect motifs, and fine metalwork. This collector&#39;s assortment transitions perfectly from classic everyday wear to bold statement styling.

Sterling Silver Domed Ladybug PinMaterial: Solid Sterling Silver (Stamped &#34;925&#34;)

Large Mod Black Enamel Flower BroochMaterial: Black enamel over base metal.Design: Striking multi-petaled retro daisy/mum with a layered dimensional center and a gracefully curved black stem leaf. Typical of iconic 1960s &#34;Flower Power&#34; jewelry trends.

Glitter Enamel Butterfly BroochMaterial: Gold-tone/bronze-tone metal alloy, glitter resin/enamel fill.

Silver-Tone Textured Daisy Stem BroochMaterial: Silver-plated or rhodium-toned base metal.

Avian StickpinMaterial: Gold-tone metal stickpin with enamel accents.
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Sterling Silver .925 Ladybug, Vintage Estate Brooch &#38; Pin Lot of 5, 1960s Mod

Three mid-20th-century vintage European figural pins and brooches. Steeped in Bavarian culture and classic German metalworking craftsmanship, this collection features exceptional dimensional detail and historical maker marks that make them a fantastic addition to any travel souvenir, heraldry, or regional European jewelry collection.

Traditional Bavarian Accordion Player BroochSubject: A detailed figural street musician wearing a traditional alpine cap, carrying a travel pack, and playing an accordion/concertina.Material: Heavy, solid-cast pewter or thick metal alloy.Finish: Dual-toned silver finish with distressed gold accents highlighting the clothing and instrument.

Mid-Century Modernist &#34;Münchner Kindl&#34; (Munich Monk) BroochSubject: The stylized official symbol of the city of Munich, Germany—the Münchner Kindl (&#34;Munich Child&#34;) portrayed as a monk holding a book/charter.Material: polished brass.Design Era: Circa 1950s (consistent with the modernist brass designs produced for Munich&#39;s 800th anniversary celebrations in 1958).Markings: Unstamped / Unsigned.

Enamel Shield Heraldic Stickpin (Dated 1961)Subject: Commemorative or regional club shield featuring green enamel work, a golden monogram letter &#34;M&#34;, a crown, and the date 1961.Material: Gold-tone brass base with vitreous enamel fill.Markings: Deeply stamped &#34;H. Schmidt Lüdenscheid&#34; on the reverse side.

Iconic Cultural Motifs: The Munich Monk is a highly recognized emblem globally, prized by collectors of German tobacciana, Oktoberfest memorabilia, and international travel souvenirs.

The Stickpin Maker (H. Schmidt, Lüdenscheid): The town of Lüdenscheid, Germany, is historically recognized as the capital of German metal badge, medal, button, and insignia production. The workshop of Heinz Schmidt (and related Schmidt metalcraft works in the region) operated mid-century, delivering premium enameled municipal coat-of-arms badges, club badges, and luxury automotive promotional pins. Pieces carrying the Lüdenscheid stamp are guaranteed to be authentic products of Germany&#39;s premier post-war metal industrial guild.The Munich Monk Heritage: The minimalist brass style of the monk strongly aligns with souvenir jewelry authorized during the late 1950s to early 1960s to honor Munich&#39;s founding heritage.
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Vintage German / Bavarian Souvenir &#38; Heraldic Pins Stamped H. Schmidt Lüdenscheid

Vintage Lot of 5 Figural Statement Brooches – 835 Continental Silver Marcasite Gondola, Rhinestone Serpentine Dragon, Enamel Marcasite Welsh Leek, Carved MOP Fish & Novelty Pin

Showcasing mid-century tourist souvenir design, exquisite silver filigree work, and hand-carved natural materials. This collection offers a beautiful range of styles, from sparkling Art Deco revival pieces to unique regional novelty statements.

Grand Rhinestone & Ruby-Eye Serpentine Chinese Dragon BroochMaterials: Silver-tone metal embellished with micro-pavé clear rhinestones and a single faceted red rhinestone or glass eye accent.Design & Motif: Features a highly detailed, coiled Chinese dragon with an intricate scaly texture, fierce open-jaw profile, and detailed claws.

Venetian Gondola & Gondolier 835 Silver BroochMaterials: Stamped 835 Continental Silver (83.5% pure silver content). Accented with circular-cut marcasite stones along the canopy and gunwale.Design & Motif: A dimensional, openwork Venetian gondola boat propelled by a detailed silhouette of a gondolier.Collector Note: The &#34;835&#34; stamp is a classic hallmark indicating mid-20th-century European craftsmanship, most commonly used in Germany, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands for high-quality export and souvenir silver jewelry.

Vintage Enamel & Marcasite Welsh Leek BroochMaterials: Silver-tone base metal finished with cold-painted green enamel and a clean row of pavé-set marcasites across the shaft.Design & Motif: A realistic figural representation of a spring leek or scallion.Collector Note: Circa 1940s–1950s. The leek is famously the national symbol of Wales, making this a highly collectible regional piece of vintage botanical and novelty costume jewelry.

Mid-Century Silhouette Gondola Novelty BroochMaterials: Black-finished base metal frame with painted pink/coral enamel highlights on the canopy and background structures.Design & Motif: A stylized, graphic silhouette depicting a romanticized harbor scene with a gondolier and a tiered architectural background.

Hand-Carved Mother-of-Pearl Shimmery Fish PinMaterials: Genuine hand-carved Mother-of-Pearl (MOP) shell featuring a shifting iridescent pink/gold finish, accented with a tiny red glass eye.Design & Motif: A stylized marine animal, likely a koi, goldfish, or betta, featuring finely incised linear grooves detailing the gills and fan-shaped tail fin.Collector Note: Shell-carved animal pins are a major sub-category of vintage nautical jewelry, often exported from coastal artisan workshops or Pacific trade hubs during the mid-20th century.
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835 Silver Marcasite Gondola, Vintage Lot of 5 Figural Statement Brooches

Brooch (Top Left): Single-pin fastening, silver-tone base white metal, featuring a stylized openwork leaf/feather design with dimensional center ribbing.

Brass metal Open-Frame Collar Clips / Bar Set (Top Right - Back Row): One pair of circular geometric frame clips resting on the back display block. Distinguished by a warm brass/gold-tone finish

Crescent Emerald-Green Clips (Top Right - Front Row): One pair of horseshoe/crescent dress clips positioned directly in front of the collar set. Embellished with clear paste rhinestones surrounding vibrant, geometric emerald-green molded glass cabochons. Historical Note: The reverse mechanisms still retain fragments of the original luxury black velvet garment fabric from when they were separated from the outfit.

Fan-Shaped Art Deco Clips (Bottom Left): One pair of classic geometric fan/waterfall dress clips with a warm gold-tone/brass wash finish. Adorned with clear rhinestones and accent steps of vibrant green glass baguettes. Stamped with the collectible historical marker &#34;PAT 1801128&#34; on the interior clasp mechanisms. Note missing rhinestones

Triangular Pave Filigree Clips (Bottom Right): One premium pair of shield/triangular-shaped dress clips encrusted with brilliant pave-set clear rhinestones in a silver-tone filigree frame. Features highly desirable, custom engraved/carved detailing on the reverse metal spring clasps.

The Waller Patent: The bottom-left pair features US Patent Number 1801128, filed in 1930 by inventor Anthony E. Waller of Providence, Rhode Island. His legendary tensioned spring-clasp finding completely transformed 1930s accessorizing, allowing heavy jeweled accents to hold tightly to silk necklines, fur capes, or lapels without ripping fragile fabrics. This benchmark design was favored by leading makers of the era like Coro, Trifari, and Mazer.
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Vintage Art Deco Estate Costume Jewelry: Waller Patented Dress Clips, Fur Clips, &#38; Filig

This lot features vibrant multi-colored chaton rhinestones, brilliant crystal accents, and highly collectible novelty work.

Multi-Color Rhinestone Leaf Brooch:Design: An elegant, stylized openwork leaf set with vibrant, multi-colored pastel and jewel-toned rhinestones (pink, light blue, emerald green, and golden amber).Finish: Polished gold-tone plating.

Novelty Chatelaine-Style Handbag / Purse Brooch (Functional!):Design: A figural handbag pave-set with stunning pink, blue, and green rhinestones suspended by dual chains from a polished textured ribbon bow. The purse features a functional hinged clasp and opens up.Finish: Antiqued gold-tone finish

Crystal Blossom / Snowflake Cluster Brooch:Design: A brilliant, layered tier cluster brooch set with clear, round-cut crystal chatons in a floral or classic starburst configuration.

Classic Solitaire Crystal Stickpin / Hatpin:Design: A minimalist long stickpin topped with a single prominent prong-set clear rhinestone chaton.

Teardrop Scroll Pins (Pair):Design: Intricate swirling scroll or paisley drop configuration featuring deep sapphire-blue rhinestones accented with single pink/lavender teardrop stones at the tips.Finish: Patinated japanned/dark-tone metal backing. Note left missing a stone and backing.
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Vintage Costume Jewelry Lot – Rhinestone Brooches, Novelty Opening Purse Pin, Stickpin

Featuring Bermuda Souvenir Script Pin, Scottie Dog Brooch, and Carved Biological Novelty Accents

Popularized during the 1940s wartime era and early 1950s tourism boom, these charming novelty pieces showcase the intricate artistry of mid-century folk and souvenir crafts.

Era / Period: Circa 1940s – 1950s (Mid-Century Modern / Wartime Novelty Era)Materials: Multi-tone natural hardwoods (including likely Bermuda Cedar and fruitwoods), paint/enamel finishes, and early metal hardware components.Fasteners: Mix of classic safety pins, C-clasps, and threaded vintage screw-backs.

Material Adaptation: Carved wooden jewelry saw a massive spike in popularity during WWII. Because base metals were rationed for the military effort, jewelry designers and regional craft industries turned to organic materials like wood, leather, and early plastics (like Bakelite) to meet the demand for novelty accessories.

The Bermuda Tourism Connection: Regional souvenir pieces carved from native woods—specifically Bermuda Cedar—are highly collectible niches within the travel memorabilia community. The script pin is an excellent typographical piece of island history.Scottie Dog Motif: The Scottish Terrier was one of the most prolific fashion motifs of the 1930s–1950s, largely popularized by the Roosevelt family's famous dog, Fala. Wooden iterations of this design are fiercely sought after by animal and novelty brooch collectors alike.
                
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Vintage 1940s–1950s Hand-Carved Wooden Costume Jewelry Lot - 6-Piece Collection

This eye-catching piece features a highly detailed, dramatic arching big cat design completely encrusted with clear, shimmering pavé-set rhinestones punctuated by glossy black enamel leopard spots.Crafted in a heavy, bright gold-tone base metal, this multi-dimensional pin captures the powerful, slinking motion of a hunting panther or cheetah. The face features beautifully structured details with clear faceted stone accents. The reverse side features a textured gold-tone finish with a securely attached standard rollover safety pin clasp mechanism.This piece is unsigned (no maker&#39;s mark), which was highly common during the 1980s fashion jewelry boom when department stores outsourced popular runway-inspired designs. It remains in excellent vintage condition with all rhinestones present, bright plating, and intact enamel work.

The &#34;Big Cat&#34; Influence: Animal motif jewelry experienced a massive resurgence in the 1980s runway era. This design pulls directly from high-jewelry iconography made famous by Jeanne Toussaint, the legendary Director of Fine Jewelry at Cartier, who debuted the iconic Panthère line for the Duchess of Windsor in the 1940s.Design Trend: Unsigned pieces of this exact scale and style were frequently produced by high-end costume fashion brands like Park Lane, Carolee, or Gerry&#39;s to sell in luxury department stores, mimicking fine diamond-and-onyx jewelry at an accessible price point. Its heavy casting and intricate stone count make it highly desirable for collectors of 1980s maximalist fashion jewelry.
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Vintage 1980s Arched Leopard Brooch – Pavé Rhinestones &#38; Black Enamel Big Cat Statement

Heavy, modernist mixed-metal brooch featuring an avant-garde abstract design. The piece showcases a beautifully contoured, satin-finished silver-tone crescent moon motif piered by an elongated, rustic textured gold-tone human or lightning figure.The lower edge of the crescent prominently features the hand-engraved signature of the designer, &#34;Toshi.&#34; The reverse side is stamped with the historical inscription &#34;rhone-poulenc 1895-1995&#34;, indicating it was commissioned as a special corporate centenary artifact for the famed French pharmaceutical and chemical multinational giant, Rhône-Poulenc. A fantastic crossover item for fine jewelry, corporate history, and mid-to-late 20th-century modernist art collectors alike.

Corporate Centenary Link: The piece commemorates the exactly 100-year history of Rhône-Poulenc (founded originally in 1895 as Société Chimique des Usines du Rhône). Such high-quality bespoke art commissions were distributed strictly to company executives, high-tier clients, or associates during the 1995 centennial celebration, making public examples incredibly scarce.Mixed-Media Appeal: The stark contrast between the industrial, smooth silver crescent and the organic, hand-hewn gold figure embodies the finest elements of post-war European corporate art design.
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Vintage Modernist Mixed-Metal Centenary Brooch by &#34;Toshi&#34; – Rhône-Poulenc 1895-1995 

Vintage estate costume brooches and pins spanning the mid-to-late 20th century. This collection offers an excellent variety for collectors, featuring mixed metal tones, unique tactile textures, classic figurals, and a standout signed designer centerpiece.

Signed Monique Olivier Modernist Geometric Bar PinMaterials: Gold-tone base metal, rich brown/bronze enamel fields, accented with cream and iridescent diamond-shaped geometric inserts.Hallmark: Stamped &#34;Monique Olivier&#34; on the reverse.

Hat BroochMaterials: Polished gold-tone metal.Collector Note: The brim contains pre-manufactured holes designed to hold miniature accent feathers (feathers have been cleanly removed/lost over time, allowing the option for customization by a new owner or collector).

Mid-Century Real Fur & Faux Pearl Spray PinMaterials: Genuine soft tan fur spray accenting a textured gold-tone backing, crowned with a clustered rhinestone/faux-pearl domed setting

Intricate Filigree & Red Enamel Oval BroochMaterials: Openwork silver-tone filigree scrolls set over a warm, metallic reddish-brown enamel border and gold-toned rim.

Figural Textured Little Cat PinMaterials: Black cold-enamel/epoxy body on a textured gold-tone base metal frame.

Fan Leaf Spray BroochMaterials: Layered textured gold-tone metal forming a mid-century botanical fan motif. Note missing one leaf

Monique Olivier Spotlight: The geometric bar pin is the crown jewel of this lot. Monique Olivier was a notable Canadian studio jewelry designer based in Quebec active primarily in the late 1960s and 1970s. Her work is highly collected for its distinct Mid-Century Modernist aesthetic, mastery of guilloché and opaque enamel work, and premium craftsmanship. Her signed artisan pieces are steadily rising in popularity among collectors of modernist studio jewelry.
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Vintage Costume Brooch Lot of 6 – Modernist Signed Monique Olivier Enamel, Figural, Fur

Designed in a striking, elongated S-curve slithering silhouette, this piece features a richly textured finish that beautifully mimics reptile scales. The head is crowned with a single, clear round-cut rhinestone accent, giving it a subtle yet brilliant flash of light.

This is an unbranded, high-quality fashion jewelry piece perfect for lovers of gothic style, Art Deco aesthetics, or animal-themed jewelry motifs.

The Symbolism: Historically, snakes represent eternity, rebirth, and wisdom. They became immensely popular during the Victorian era after Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a snake ring, sparking a multi-decade trend in serpent jewelry.Egyptian Revival Styles: The sleek, wavy presentation of this particular piece heavily draws from Art Deco and Egyptian Revival aesthetics, which gained massive resurgences in the 1920s and again in the 1970s–1980s following global tours of Egyptian artifacts (such as King Tut’s treasures).
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Vintage Egyptian Revival Gold-Tone Slithering Snake Brooch – Clear Rhinestone Accent

Hand-embroidered micro petit point costume jewelry. This beautifully preserved collection features remarkable craftsmanship, showcasing tiny, intricate needlepoint stitches that form vibrant romantic floral motifs against deep contrast backings. Highlighted by a highly sought-after novelty umbrella pin with a dangling handbag accent and accompanied by two distinct pairs of earrings, this assembly is perfect for vintage fashion enthusiasts, historical textile collectors, or cottagecore style curators.

Era / Date: Circa 1940s–1950s (Mid-Century Modern / Post-WWII Revival).Origin: Unsigned, but highly characteristic of traditional workshop production from Vienna, Austria or West Germany.

Novelty Parasol Brooch: Closed umbrella silhouette with an inlaid tapestry canopy of multi-toned roses. Features a dangling miniature handbag/purse charm and a functional rolling safety clasp.Large Red Rose Earrings (Pair): Circular clip-on or post earrings with deep black textile backings framing a vibrant coral-red rose bud, outlined in elegant scalloped gold settings.Small Yellow Blossom Earrings (Pair): Dainty round earrings decorated with micro petit point yellow flower stems on a pale linen background.
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Vintage Austrian Micro Petit Point Jewelry Lot – Parasol Umbrella Brooch, 2 sets of Earrin

Hamilton (Ontario, Canada) SELLER MANAGED Estate Sale Online Auction - Bishopsgate Avenue

metal_tone

gemstone

motif

style

Gold-tone metal brooch shaped as an elongated S-curve snake with textured scale finish and clear round rhinestone set in the head; straight pin with rollover clasp

gold-tone snake brooch with rhinestone accent

Front view of textured gold-tone snake brooch showing rhinestone in head and pin fastener

Reverse curve and scale texture of brooch

Side angle displaying length and clasp mechanism

Textured gold-tone serpent, bright clear rhinestone eye, sinuous Art Deco-inspired Egyptian Revival styling

Lot #23: Vintage Egyptian Revival Gold-Tone Slithering Snake Brooch – Clear Rhinestone Accent

Only Available Pickup Date/Time: Wed, October 14 2026 Category A: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Pickup Location: Bishopsgate Avenue, Hamilton, ON, L8V 3K5 View Map (opens in new window)

Lot #23: Vintage Egyptian Revival Gold-Tone Slithering Snake Brooch – Clear Rhinestone Accent

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Auction Details

Only Available Pickup Date/Time: Wed, October 14 2026 Category A: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Pickup Location: Bishopsgate Avenue, Hamilton, ON, L8V 3K5 View Map (opens in new window)

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