Danish-Style Sterling Silver Fruit Cornucopia Brooch
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin) · Attributed to Danish or American silversmiths in the style of Georg Jensen; likely an unidentifiable workshop specializing in Skønvirke-influenced motifs.
Pattern: Cornucopia and Mixed Fruit (Apple, Pear, Pomegranate/Grape), part of the broader 'Fruit and Foliage' design movement of the early-to-mid 20th century.
Type
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin)
Maker
Attributed to Danish or American silversmiths in the style of Georg Jensen; likely an unidentifiable workshop specializing in Skønvirke-influenced motifs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Weight is estimated at 18 to 25 grams based on its size and hollow-die-struck appearance.
Dimensions
Estimated at 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) in length and 4.5 cm (1.8 inches) in width.
Description
This charming sterling silver brooch depicts a classic Cornucopia, or 'Horn of Plenty,' overflowing with a bounty of harvest fruit. The design features a smooth, tapering horn with chased leaf patterns on the stem, which bursts open into a cluster of high-relief fruit including a distinct pear and a textured pomegranate. The interplay of light on the polished raised surfaces against the darkened antique-style crevices provides a wonderful three-dimensional sculptural quality characteristic of mid-century naturalist jewelry.
Key Features
High-relief sculptural fruit, spiraling horn with foliate chasing, and 'blackened' oxidation for artistic contrast.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Weight is estimated at 18 to 25 grams based on its size and hollow-die-struck appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Polished high-shine finish with oxidation in the recessed crevices to create depth. Features repoussé-style fruit (pear, apple, pomegranate) in high relief within a spiraling horn of plenty.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None clearly visible from the front; likely stamped 'STERLING' or '.925' on the reverse pin bar or the horn tail with a maker's mark.
Construction Details
Die-struck or cast hollow-form construction with the fruit elements joined or cast as a single sculptural unit. The tail of the horn shows typical chased scrollwork associated with stamped metalwork.
Functional Features
Horizontal pinstem on reverse with a safety C-clasp or revolving rolling lock mechanism to secure the jewelry to clothing.
Handle & Grip Details
Non-applicable; however, the tail of the cornucopia serves as a visual grip or terminal end, terminating in a smooth, rounded point.
Craftsmanship Details
Quality machine-pressed die work with hand-finishing and assembly of the pin mechanism. Displays decent symmetry and depth of detail for a medium-market jewelry piece.
Authentication Indicators
Solder points and the style of the 'beaded' textures on the fruit are consistent with mid-century mass-market production of sterling giftware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Scandinavia (Denmark) or the United States (New York or Rhode Island) where many Jensen-inspired 'fruit' patterns were manufactured during the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Late Transitional Skønvirke (1940-1960). It reflects the organic, nature-inspired themes common in Scandinavian design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955. The style of the fruit rendering and the type of oxidation suggest post-WWII production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Good Life' and prosperity of the post-war era, where decorative arts moved away from harsh geometric Art Deco lines back toward organic, comforting natural forms.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Minor surface scratches (micro-marring) consistent with age. Light tarnish in recesses is intentional. The structure appears sound without dents in the hollow-formed fruit.
Value Estimate
$85 - $150 USD depending on the specific maker's mark on the reverse.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft silver polishing cloth only on the high points. Avoid silver 'dips' as they will strip the intentional oxidation in the crevices that provides the fruit its detail.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen Brooch #251 (Fruit/Grape clusters); Coro or Trifari sterling craft fruit series (often gold-washed or set with rhinestones).
Interesting Facts
The Cornucopia has been a symbol of abundance and nourishment for centuries. In the mid-20th century, fruit-themed silver jewelry became a 'status' gift item often sold by retailers like Georg Jensen or Tiffany & Co.