Vintage Artisanal Bronze or Brass Figural Plaque
Plaque / Buckle / Decorative Ornament · Simulated gold finish on base metal; warm brassy/bronze alloy with significant copper and zinc content.
Purity: Non-gold; base metal (Bronze or Brass). It lacks the high-luster or orange-rich hue of solid gold (10K-24K). Gold plating is possible but unlikely given the uneven surface wear.
Type
Plaque / Buckle / Decorative Ornament
Purity
Non-gold; base metal (Bronze or Brass). It lacks the high-luster or orange-rich hue of solid gold (10K-24K). Gold plating is possible but unlikely given the uneven surface wear.
Gold Type
Simulated gold finish on base metal; warm brassy/bronze alloy with significant copper and zinc content.
Weight
35-60 grams depending on thickness and back structure. Not representative of gold weight.
Description
A striking modernist metalwork piece featuring two stylized, athletic figures in a dynamic pose beneath a floral or celestial central motif. The piece utilizes high relief against a heavily textured 'pebbled' background, framed by a smooth, organically curved border with decorative scroll-like protrusions at the top. The visual language evokes a sense of primitive art reimagined through a mid-century lens.
Key Features
High-relief sculptural figures, organic 'amoeba' shape, contrasting textures, and a specific weathered patina.
Color & Finish
Deep golden-brown with heavy patina; matte, pebbled/sand-cast background texture with polished raised figural elements. Evidence of oxidation in recessed areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible purity hallmarks (e.g., 585, 14K). Indistinct markings on the lower right corner appear to be a maker's monogram or foundry mark rather than a gold assay mark.
Dimensions Estimate
Width: 50mm - 65mm, Height: 45mm - 55mm. Fits the profile of a small desk ornament or decorative belt buckle.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; purely sculptural metalwork.
Clasp & Closure
Unseen. If a buckle, it likely has a bar and hook; if a plaque, it may be flat-backed or have evidence of a removed pin.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid cast piece.
Craftsmanship Details
Sand-cast or lost-wax cast method. The finishing is intentional 'brutalist' style, where manufacturing marks and rough textures are celebrated as part of the artistic aesthetic.
Authentication Indicators
The color is excessively brown/green in recesses, characteristic of copper-based alloys (brass/bronze) rather than gold. The casting grain is coarse, typically found in base-metal art pieces rather than fine jewelry.
Origin & Maker
Likely an independent studio jeweler or foundry; stylistic similarities to Scandinavian or American modernist craft movements.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to Modernist (1950s–1970s). The stylized, abstract human figures and organic, asymmetrical pebble shape are hallmark traits of mid-20th-century artisan metalwork.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s-1970s based on the 'brutalist' texture and the specific abstraction of the human form.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from traditional, ornate jewelry to 'Modernist' abstraction where the value is found in design and form rather than the intrinsic value of the metal.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Significant surface wear and patina consistent with age and handling. Surface shows minor micro-scratching on polished highlights. Texture in recesses is filled with natural oxidation.
Value Estimate
$25 - $75 as a vintage art/collectible item. It lacks significant melt value as it is not precious metal.
Care & Maintenance
Maintain with a soft dry cloth. Avoid chemical jewelry cleaners which will strip the intentional patina. If it is brass, a mild copper cleaner can be used, but will change the vintage character.
Similar Items
Modernist pieces by designers like Pal Kepenyes or Renoir/Matisse, though those brands usually carry clear stamps. It contrasts with high-polished fine gold jewelry of the same era.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were often produced in limited runs by art students or independent studios during the 'Craft Revival' of the 1970s, intended to be wearable art.