1940s Danecraft Phoenix/Bird of Paradise Sterling Silver authentic Brooch

authentic The cartouche at the back of the brooch reads Danecraft Reg'd Sterling. Representing a phoenix (or a bird of paradise), this is a truly magnificent design by a well-respected maker of costume jewelry. The phoenix is a long-lived, immortal bird associated with Greek mythology (with analogs in many cultures) that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.

The brooch is large, measuring 3 7/8" H x 1 5/8" at the widest point. It weighs 22.7 grams.

In fine vintage condition, with lovely patina. Sterling can easily be cleaned to a shiny, new finish, if so desired.

More on DANECRAFT HISTORY (1920's - present): Victor Primavera immigrated to the United States and founded the Primavera Brothers Jewelry Company in the 1920's in Providence, RI. The company was one of the earliest manufacturers of costume jewelry in America and a pioneer in introducing the quality designs and craftsmanship used previously in the fine jewelry manufacturing industry. In 1934, Victor joined with James Felch to found Felch & Co. By the late 1930's, the firm had introduced its "Danecraft" jewelry, a line inspired by the fashionable art nouveau designs of eminent Danish silversmith Georg Jensen. When Primavera bought out Felch in 1945, he changed the company's name to Danecraft and continued producing imaginative, expertly crafted sterling jewelry frequently enhanced with semi-precious stones. Danecraft sterling was especially popular and aggressively advertised during the 1950's. Danecraft is still privately owned and operated by the Primavera family.