Articulated Brooch Appraisal

Arthur Pepper Flying Pheasant Brooch

This exquisite brooch depicts a pheasant in flight, crafted with a remarkable level of detail and vibrant coloration. The bird's body is predominantly a bright, textured lemon yellow, suggesting feathers, with subtle variations that add depth. Its elongated tail feathers, split at the end, transition from a lighter orange-yellow hue to a deeper reddish-orange at the very tips, providing a striking contrast. The outstretched wings are a focal point, featuring individual feather details carved into the metal. The main portion of the wings matches the body's yellow, but the trailing edges are outlined in a vivid red enamel, enhancing their visual impact. A central panel on each wing, closest to the body, is rendered in a rich, burnished gold or bronze tone, possibly with some embedded texture to mimic a different feather type or metallic sheen. The pheasant's head is depicted in a similar gold/bronze tone, with a small, round red or orange collar encircling its neck, perhaps indicating the wattle or a decorative element. The brooch is likely made from a base metal, possibly gold-toned, with enamel applied for the colors. The overall craftsmanship suggests a well-made costume jewelry piece from the mid-20th century. Based on the provided context, this brooch is associated with the designer Arthur Pepper and an estimated age of 1955. Visible condition appears good, with no obvious major chips in the enamel or significant wear to the metal, though a full assessment would require examining the reverse side and closer inspection under magnification. The pin mechanism is visible on the back, suggesting it's a standard brooch clasp. The attention to color blocking and textural contrast indicates a thoughtful design, characteristic of collectible vintage costume jewelry.