Vintage 1920s-1930s Czech Bohemian Portrait Brooch in Aged Brass F297
I spent quite of bit of time researching this piece.
Produced during the golden age of Bohemian costume jewelry in the 1920s or 1930s, this piece features a highly detailed, romanticized miniature portrait of a "Bohemian" or Romani gypsy girl in profile.
The porcelain cabochon is set in an aged, brass filigree setting and flanked by two 4mm white glass accent stones. While the metal setting is unsigned (as was standard practice for export pieces of this era), the reverse of the porcelain cabochon bears the original raised manufacturer mold and size numbers ("7778" and "30"), 7778 would have indicated the design style and 30 the height in mm.
The brooch is secured with a period-correct "reverse" safety clasp, an excellent hallmark of early European jewelry manufacturing.
Details & Measurements:
-
Era: 1920s - 1930s
-
Origin: Unsigned Czech / Bohemian (likely Gablonz)
-
Materials: Aged brass filigree, porcelain cabochon, white accent stones, steel pin
-
Overall Dimensions: 40mm x 33mm
-
Porcelain Size: 30mm x 24mm
-
Accent Stones: 4mm
-
Hardware: Original reverse safety clasp (functions perfectly)
-
Marks: Raised numbers "7778" and "30" on the back of the porcelain
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. The miniature porcelain portrait is beautifully preserved with vibrant, unfaded colors. (Please note: while our high-magnification macro photos may reveal very slight, age-appropriate surface wear, this is entirely imperceptible to the naked eye. The piece presents perfectly when worn or displayed). The aged brass has a lovely, authentic patina. The original steel pin has a slight bend to it—a common occurrence in century-old jewelry—but remains sharp and completely functional, securing safely into the reverse catch.
