Collectors Brooch Appraisal

Cardinal Bird Enamel Pin/Brooch

This item is an oval-shaped brooch or tie pin featuring a vibrant red cardinal against a light blue or white background. The piece is bordered by a gold-toned metal frame that appears to be polished and reflects light, suggesting it could be brass, gilt base metal, or a lower karat gold alloy. The cardinal is depicted in profile, facing left, with its characteristic crest and dark beak clearly visible. The illustration style is somewhat simplified but effective in capturing the bird's iconic silhouette and striking color. The background is a smooth, uniform light color, likely enameled or a printed image under a clear resin/glass, giving it a glossy appearance. There are no immediate visible signs of significant wear such as chipping on the enamel or heavy scratching on the metal frame, though minor surface abrasions consistent with age and occasional use may be present upon closer inspection. The absence of a visible clasp mechanism in the provided image suggests it might be positioned on the reverse side. The overall aesthetic points to a mid-20th century to late-20th century style, possibly created for souvenir or costume jewelry purposes. The craftsmanship appears to be of reasonable quality for its type, with clear definition in the cardinal image and a consistent finish on the metal.