Sea Turtle Lapel Pin Appraisal

Sea Turtle Lapel Pin / Tie Tack

This item is a small, metallic lapel pin or tie tack designed in the shape of a sea turtle. The material appears to be a polished silver-tone metal, reflecting light brightly, though without further testing, the exact metallic composition (e.g., sterling silver, white gold, rhodium-plated base metal) cannot be definitively determined. The turtle motif is three-dimensional and finely detailed, showcasing a textured shell with clear scutes, four distinct flippers, and a head. The flippers and head are well-defined, suggesting careful casting and finishing. The overall size is small, consistent with typical lapel pins, likely less than an inch in length and width. There are no readily apparent condition issues such as scratches, dents, or tarnishing visible in the image, indicating a well-maintained or relatively new piece. The reverse side, where the pin mechanism would be attached (likely a post with a clutch back), is not visible. There are no obvious maker's marks or signatures visible on the front of the piece. Given its design and apparent production quality, it likely dates from the late 20th century to the present day, representing a common style of nature-themed novelty jewelry. The craftsmanship, though small in scale, appears to be of good quality, providing clear definition to the intricate details of the turtle's anatomy.