RARE VINTAGE TRIFARI ALFRED PHILIPPE JELLY BELLY CARNATION STERLING PIN BROOCH

Description: VINTAGE TRIFARI ALFRED PHILIPPE JELLY BELLY CARNATION STERLING PATENT # 139945 PINFor sale is a most spectacular and very rare vintage signed Trifari patent # 139945 sterling, jelly belly brooch pin. The brooch measures approx. 3 12/16ths x 2 1/16th and weighs approx. 41.7 grams. In very good vintage condition please note there is some tarnish/light wear, there are no noticeable scratches on the Lucite that one can see, some rhinestones may have been changed out please see photos as they are part of the description. From a personal collection this piece was found many years ago at a high end estate. Following is a bit of Trifari jelly belly info:Costume jewelry devotees recognize Trifari as the top manufacturer of jelly belly jewelry. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, this firm was one of the most prolific producers of fashionable adornment over several decades beginning in the 1930s. Some of the jelly belly designs they made in the ‘40s can sell for thousands. Most of these were designed by Alfred Phillipe, one of the most celebrated designers in costume jewelry history.As for the origin of the clear plastic used to craft this type of jewelry, former Trifari employee Irving Wolf shared a unique bit of World War II-related history during a collector’s convention in the early 2000s. Believe it or not, the material was originally intended for airplane windows. When plagued by manufacturing flaws the slabs weren’t suitable for that purpose, so they were cut and polished for use in jewelry instead. However, some collectors who can’t find references for this use in historical documentation such as newspaper or magazine articles have questioned the accuracy of the airplane window attribution. Other jewelry historians find Wolf’s account to be credible not only because he worked for Trifari for 41 years ending his career with the company as president, chairman, and chief operating officer, but because it was common practice for jewelry manufacturing companies to partner with other firms in the production of war-related goods. It stands to reason that Trifari would have contacts with manufacturers of airplanes as a result. Many alternative materials were used to produce jewelry during the period so repurposing plastics in this way is highly plausible and quite ingenious.Please see photos as they are part of the description, please ask questions as this most rare collectible is sold as is/seen. A most rare and unique piece many are only found in collections now. The brooch will be shipped UPS and a signature will be needed.

Price: 2995 USD

Location: Millstone Township, New Jersey

End Time: 2025-01-19T16:33:57.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD