Vintage Enameled Metal Dog Tag Pendant with Italian Horn (Corne)

This item is an oval-rectangular metal dog tag pendant, likely constructed from a base metal alloy with an enameled or heat-treated finish. The pendant features a distinctive three-tone color gradient transition from a silver-toned polished top through a vibrant purple/violet midsection into a warm bronze or copper-toned bottom half. At the center is an embossed or applied 'Corne' (Italian Horn) motif, which is a traditional amulet used for protection against the evil eye. The horn is rendered in a dark metallic finish that provides a high-relief tactile element to the piece. The pendant measures approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in length and features a circular suspension hole at the top for a chain. Notable condition issues include significant damage to the lower left-hand edge, where a piece of the metal has been chipped or broken away, exposing the darker interior material. There are also visible surface abrasions, fine scratches, and minor pitting consistent with a vintage item that has been worn frequently. The lack of visible hallmarks suggests mass-production, likely from the late 20th century (1970s-1990s), designed as a piece of costume jewelry or a luck-themed souvenir.

I have conducted a visual examination of the vintage enameled dog tag pendant featuring a 'Corne' motif. The item presents as a mass-produced piece of costume jewelry, likely dating from the 1970s to the 1990s. The three-tone gradient—transitioning from silver-tone to violet to bronze—is achieved through a heat-treated or enameled process over a base metal alloy, rather than precious metals or kiln-fired vitreous enamel. My assessment of the condition reveals significant structural compromise; a substantial chip on the lower-left edge exposes a dark, non-precious core, indicating the metal is brittle. Surface abrasions and pitting further suggest a high level of wear. The absence of hallmarks or maker’s marks confirms its status as non-investment grade fashion jewelry. Market demand for such items is currently low, limited primarily to collectors of vernacular charms or 'luck' themed ephemera. The damage significantly detracts from its secondary market value. Comparisons to similar unattributed vintage talismans in 'Good' to 'Fair' condition typically place them in the sub-$20 range. Please note that this appraisal is based solely on digital imagery. A definitive identification of the base metal would require an in-person acid or XRF test. To fully authenticate the manufacturing origin, further research into specific late-20th-century souvenir catalogs or provenance documentation from the original owner would be necessary, though unlikely to significantly alter the valuation given the visible material quality.