Hula Dancer Pin Appraisal

Vintage Betty Boop Hula Dancer Enamel Lapel Pin

This is a large-format decorative lapel or badge pin featuring the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop in a Hawaiian hula dancer motif. The pin is constructed from a die-cast base metal, likely a zinc alloy or brass, with a silver-tone finish. It features detailed 'soft enamel' or cold enamel fill in a vibrant color palette of red, yellow, black, and peach. Betty Boop is depicted wearing a red floral lei, matching floral wristlets, and a traditional yellow grass skirt with one leg exposed in a classic pin-up pose. Her signature black bobbed hair includes a red flower accessory, and her companion, Pudgy the dog, is visible at the bottom right. The design includes 'Betty Boop' lettering at the base in red script. In terms of condition, there is visible chipping and loss to the enamel, particularly on her eyes, shoulder, and legs, revealing the metal underneath. There is also moderate oxidation and pitting on the exposed metal surfaces and edges. This piece likely dates from the late 20th century, specifically the 1980s or 1990s, when Betty Boop merchandise saw a significant commercial resurgence. The craftsmanship is of mass-production quality, intended for the souvenir or novelty accessories market.