Vintage 12K Gold-Filled Maple Leaf Brooch by Hayward
Brooch / Pin · Yellow Gold with significant aged patina.
Purity: 12K Gold-Filled (1/20 12K GF). This indicates a composition where at least 5% of the total weight is 12 karat gold bonded to a base metal core.
Type
Brooch / Pin
Purity
12K Gold-Filled (1/20 12K GF). This indicates a composition where at least 5% of the total weight is 12 karat gold bonded to a base metal core.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with significant aged patina.
Weight
5 - 8 grams
Description
This charming mid-century brooch captures the organic beauty of a maple leaf in a realistic, sculptural style. The piece features detailed venation and a textured finish that mimics the organic surface of foliage. A graceful, curved stem balances the five-pointed leaf, creating a classic botanical accessory popular in mid-20th-century Americana.
Key Features
Realistic leaf venation, Hayward's signature gold-filling technique, and 'barked' or sandblasted texture on the leaf lobes.
Color & Finish
Aged yellow gold with deep bronze and verdant patina in the recessed veins. Surface features a combination of high-polished stems and finely textured, sandblasted leaf blades.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks would be on the reverse or the pin stem: 'HAYWARD' and '1/20 12K G.F.'
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 1.5 to 1.75 inches in height and width (Standard size).
Gemstones & Inlays
None; the piece relies on intricate metalwork and textural contrast for visual interest.
Clasp & Closure
Safety pin style with a revolving C-clasp on the reverse.
Chain & Links
N/A; solid stamped construction with a curved decorative stem.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-stamped construction with hand-soldered pin assembly and high-relief detailing.
Authentication Indicators
Specific textural patterns typical of Hayward production; color wear on high-friction points (stem) revealing base metal would confirm GF status.
Origin & Maker
Walter E. Hayward Co., Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1940s - 1960s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965.
Cultural Significance
Botanical jewelry represented a return to nature and femininity in post-WWII fashion, serving as an accessible yet high-quality luxury for the growing middle class.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Visible surface oxidation and patina common in older gold-filled items; some verdigris (green spotting) visible on the top lobe near the tip indicates exposure to moisture.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $45.00 (Primarily resale value for vintage fashion; minimal gold melt value due to gold-fill construction).
Care & Maintenance
Gently wipe with a soft dry cloth. Avoid chemical jewelry cleaners or ultrasonic baths which can strip the thin gold layer or exacerbate the oxidation levels.
Similar Items
Krementz gold-layered leaf pins, Winard gold-filled botanical brooches, or contemporary 14K solid gold leaf pendants.
Interesting Facts
Hayward was founded in 1851, making it one of the oldest jewelry manufacturers in the United States, known for high-quality gold-filled items and religious medals.