Modernist Sterling Silver Great Horned Owl Pin/Brooch
Jewelry (Large Brooch/Pin) · Unidentified Studio Silversmith. The style is reminiscent of mid-century American or Scandinavian studio jewelry, specifically makers like Beau Sterling or Taxco artisans, but the lack of visible marks in the image suggests a smaller boutique workshop or an independent artisan.
Pattern: Folk Art / Zoomorphic Owl Motif
Type
Jewelry (Large Brooch/Pin)
Maker
Unidentified Studio Silversmith. The style is reminiscent of mid-century American or Scandinavian studio jewelry, specifically makers like Beau Sterling or Taxco artisans, but the lack of visible marks in the image suggests a smaller boutique workshop or an independent artisan.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or possibly Coin Silver (.900). It appears to be solid precious metal rather than plated, given the depth of the recessed areas and the nature of the surface wear.
Dimensions
Approximately 3 to 4 inches in height. Based on the hand in the photo, it is a statement-sized piece. Estimated weight: 25-45 grams.
Description
A striking and substantial silver owl brooch or medallion, featuring a stylized Great Horned Owl perched on a branch. The piece is executed in a modernist-primitive style, favoring bold, recessed lines and a slightly irregular oval form that gives it a hand-wrought, artisanal character. The high-contrast finish creates a sense of depth and mystery, characteristic of mid-century animalier silver jewelry.
Key Features
Simplified 'V' shaped eyebrows/horns, heavy recessed lines for eyes and plumage, and an irregular, non-symmetrical oval border that highlights its handmade nature.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or possibly Coin Silver (.900). It appears to be solid precious metal rather than plated, given the depth of the recessed areas and the nature of the surface wear.
Finish & Decoration
Hammered and chased decoration with an antiqued/oxidized finish in the recesses to highlight the owl design. The surface shows a high-polish finish on raised areas but with significant surface marks (scratches) consistent with wear.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No marks visible in this primary view; hallmarks would typically be located on the reverse side. Expected marks for authenticity would be 'STERLING', '.925', or a maker's hallmark/initials.
Construction Details
Hand-raised or die-struck sheet silver. The irregular, organic edges suggest it was hand-cut from a sheet and then hammered to create the concave dish-like shape before the owl motif was chased/repousséd.
Functional Features
Likely features a pinstem and safety clasp on the reverse. The concave shape suggests it could potentially serve as a small trinket dish if no pin is present, but the size/context points to jewelry.
Handle & Grip Details
None; it is a flat/curved decorative object.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-tooling is visible in the irregular lines of the owl's feet and the branch. The slightly uneven edges of the oval indicate it was not factory-stamped but rather hand-finished by a silversmith.
Authentication Indicators
Surface wear is consistent with silver rather than base metal. The depth of the chasing indicates the metal is thick enough to be quality sterling. Authenticity would be confirmed by checking the reverse for a 'STERLING' stamp.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely North America (USA or Mexico). The 'primitive' styling is consistent with American Arts & Crafts revival or Mexican modernist movements.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to Contemporary Folk Art (Late 20th Century). The brutalist, simplified execution of the owl reflects a post-war aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960–1980. The style and level of surface oxidation/patina suggest it has several decades of age.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in silver collecting from formal dining sets to wearable 'art jewelry' that emphasized the artist's hand and personal expression over machine-perfect symmetry.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There are numerous fine surface scratches ('hairlines') and larger scuffs across the silver surface. The deep recessed lines show some buildup of tarnish/oxidation which is stylistically appropriate. No major dents or structural breaks are visible.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD, depending on the identification of a maker's mark on the back and the total weight in grams.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft silver polishing cloth. Avoid liquid 'dips' as they will remove the dark oxidation in the recessed lines of the owl, stripping the piece of its decorative depth. Store in a tarnish-resistant pouch.
Similar Pieces
Taxco Mexico owl pins (usually more detailed with turquoise eyes), Georg Jensen animal brooches (more polished/refined), or Beau Sterling modernist animal pins (smaller and die-cast).
Interesting Facts
Owls have been a perennial favorite in silver jewelry design, particularly during the 1960s and 70s, symbolizing wisdom and nocturnal vigilance. Hand-wrought studio pieces like this are often one-of-a-kind or part of very limited production runs.