Dog Brooch Appraisal

Vintage Black Sculptural Poodle Brooch with Rhinestone Collar

This is a vintage poodle brooch, likely dating from the mid-20th century (circa 1950s or 1960s), which was a peak era for poodle-themed fashion accessories. Measuring approximately two inches in height, the brooch is crafted from a matte black material, possibly molded plastic, celluloid, or a lightweight cast metal with a cold-painted finish. The figure depicts a poodle in a characteristic 'continental' or 'show' clip. It features intricate textural carving to simulate the dog's curly coat, while the ears and tail pom-pom exhibit a contrasting linear ridged texture. A notable feature is the presence of three small, clear faceted rhinestones set into a gold-tone band or collar around the dog's neck, adding a touch of 'glamour' typical of the mid-century aesthetic. The eyes are pinpointed with white and black pigment to give the face expression. In terms of condition, the piece shows visible signs of age including surface dust and minor wear to the black finish, particularly on the sharpest edges. The white paint on the eyes appears slightly faded or worn. There are no obvious missing stones, but the metal backing for the stones shows some darkening or tarnish. The craftsmanship is representational of high-quality mass-produced costume jewelry of its time, focusing on whimsical charm and textural detail. No maker's marks are visible from the front view, though such pieces were frequently produced by companies like Trifari, Coro, or JJ (Jonette Jewelry).