Vintage Mechanical Articulated Clown Pin/Brooch

This is a vintage articulated clown brooch, likely dating from the 1940s to early 1950s. The piece features a whimsical, multi-part construction using brass or gold-toned metal components. The head is a white globular bead, possibly porcelain or milk glass, with hand-painted facial features including blue eyes, black eyebrows, and a small red mouth. A small metal cone-shaped hat sits atop the head. The torso is constructed from stacked metal discs or a ribbed cylindrical component, giving it a mechanical aesthetic reminiscent of 'mechanical man' style jewelry found in the mid-20th century. The limbs are fully articulated, connected by jump rings, allowing for movement. These limbs consist of smooth tubular and bulbous metal segments. A simple C-clasp or pin-back assembly is visible on the rear of the clown's torso for attachment to clothing. The metal shows a significant aged patina with darkening and oxidization, particularly across the torso and lower legs. There is minor chipping or wear to the painted surface of the face. This item is characteristic of novelty costume jewelry from the WWII era when base metals like brass were commonly used due to precious metal rationing.