Equestrian Brooch Appraisal

Equestrian Scene Cabochon Brooch

This is an oval-shaped brooch featuring a hand-painted or transfer-printed equestrian scene enclosed within a gold-toned filigree frame. The central cabochon, likely made of porcelain or glass, depicts a rider on horseback in what appears to be a landscape setting, possibly during a fox hunt or a cross-country ride. The colors used in the miniature painting are soft pastels, with earthy tones for the horse and rider's attire, and muted greens, blues, and browns for the background landscape. The gold-toned frame is ornate, featuring intricate filigree work with delicate scroll patterns and four small floral accents positioned at the cardinal points of the oval. These flowers have a raised, three-dimensional quality, adding to the decorative appeal. The metal appears to be a base metal with a gold plating or finish, showing some minor wear or tarnishing consistent with age, particularly in the crevices of the filigree. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures on the front of the piece. The overall style suggests an antique or vintage period, likely from the early to mid-20th century, drawing inspiration from classical sporting art. The condition appears good for its age, though a more precise assessment would require examination of the reverse side for pin mechanism integrity and further signs of wear or repair. The craftsmanship is decent, with the filigree work being delicate, but without the extreme precision found in high-end jewelry. The cabochon itself seems securely set within the bezel.