Hobby Horse Brooch Appraisal

Avon "Hobby Horse" Brooch

This item is a vintage gold-tone brooch depicting a stylized horse on wheels, designed to resemble a child's toy hobby horse. The brooch exhibits a polished, bright gold-colored metallic finish, likely a plated base metal given its probable association with Avon costume jewelry. The horse figura is detailed with an etched mane, tail, and facial features. A small saddle and harness elements are also depicted on the horse's back, adorned with clear, round-cut rhinestones that simulate diamonds. There appear to be five such rhinestones on the saddle area itself, and one or two more indicating the eye. The horse is mounted on a straight bar with two open-spoke wheels, each of which is set with a single, clear, round-cut rhinestone in its center. The overall construction appears solid, with no visible bending or significant deformities. The condition appears to be very good with minimal signs of wear; the gold-tone finish remains largely intact and lustrous, and all visible rhinestones are present and appear sparkling. There are no obvious scratches, dents, or signs of repair visible from this angle. The brooch likely dates from the mid to late 20th century, consistent with the production era of Avon costume jewelry. The specific "Hobby Horse" design suggests it could be part of a themed collection. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced costume jewelry, focusing on visual appeal and affordability rather than intricate detailing or precious materials. While no direct maker's mark is visible in the provided image, the context provided states 'Avon', which aligns with the item's aesthetic and typical production details.