Vintage Sterling Silver Pig Charm with Horseshoe Cutout
Jewelry, Charm · Unknown American or British manufacturer, likely mid-century mass production novelty charm maker.
Pattern: Lucky Pig Charm Collection
Type
Jewelry, Charm
Maker
Unknown American or British manufacturer, likely mid-century mass production novelty charm maker.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925), evidenced by standard diminutive novelty charm composition.
Dimensions
Small novelty charm, approximately 1.5 to 2 cm in width and height, weighing under 5 grams.
Description
A charming vintage sterling silver novelty charm taking the silhouette shape of a pig with a distinctive horseshoe-shaped cutout underneath. The piece shows surface patina and wear consistent with age, hanging from a primitive string cord.
Key Features
Distinctive pig silhouette combined with a lucky horseshoe architectural negative space cutout.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925), evidenced by standard diminutive novelty charm composition.
Finish & Decoration
Textured or matte finish on the body of the pig silhouette, stamped with copyright and hallmark symbols.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible copyright symbol (C) and partially legible numbers/stamps near the top center, likely denoting sterling or maker's code.
Construction Details
Die-struck or stamped from a sheet of silver, featuring a soldered suspension loop at the top.
Functional Features
Features a top suspension loop threaded with old string or twine, intended to be worn on a charm bracelet or used as a pendant.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; features an integrated small soldered jump ring loop for hanging.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial die-struck production with basic hand-finished loop attachment and minimal engraving.
Authentication Indicators
Presence of a copyright symbol (C) and tiny stamped markings suggest commercial mid-20th-century production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Great Britain, mass-market production typical of souvenir and novelty jewelry.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970) based on typical novelty charm styling and copyright stamping.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century craze for charm bracelets, where wearers collected miniature tokens representing personal milestones, travels, and superstitions.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition with moderate surface tarnish, pitting, and general wear from age and handling. Suspended on old twine string.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $15 to $40 depending on exact metal weight and collector demand for novelty charms.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft silver polishing cloth to preserve the surface details; avoid harsh chemical dips which can strip the vintage patina.
Similar Pieces
Standard sterling silver novelty charms from makers like Richardson, Speidel, or generic manufacturing houses.
Interesting Facts
Pigs combined with horseshoes are classic motifs in Western talismanic jewelry, traditionally symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and wealth.