Description
Vintage 1950s heavy gold plated Castlecliff pin of a pensive looking owl on branch pin with deeply recessed feathers, highly detailed tail and deep green rhinestone eyes. It came from an estate from many years ago and looks like it was rarely if ever used. Beautiful condition. No wear. No damage. No repair. Never altered. All original. All gold intact. Still very crisp and shiny. It looks like this was a gift that put in a draw and left there all these years. Size is 2″ tall North to South by 3/4″ across the ears East to West. The bough is just over 1″ across. A gorgeous addition for your signed vintage statement jewelry collection. Looks great on a lapel or for a sweater centerpiece. Best Condition!!
About Castlecliff Owl Pin Google AI:Castlecliff owl pins were produced during several periods, with notable designs ranging from the early 1940s to the 1970s. While the firm began in 1918, marked jewelry production generally started around 1941, with many popular gold-tone, enameled, or rhinestone-eyed owl brooches appearing between the 1950s and 1960s.
Key details about Castlecliff owl pins:
Early Pieces: A two-tone, enamel, and crystal owl brooch is identified from the late 1930s to early 1940s.
Mid-Century: Many popular, intricately designed, and colorful rhinestone owl brooches are dated to the 1950s and 1960s.
Collector Information: Pieces are often marked “Castlecliff” or, after 1957, with “Cassandra”.
The company is known for high-quality costume jewelry, and these pins are considered highly collectible
Castlecliff, a New York City-based costume jewelry brand, was established in 1918 by Clifford Furst and Joseph Bobley, though they began producing and marking their signature jewelry from the early 1940s (specifically, 1941) until the mid-1970s, with a peak era under designer Larry Vrba in the 1970s.
Key details about the production eras of Castlecliff jewelry:
Establishment & Early Years: While founded in 1918, the company originally worked with other firms before launching their own branded pieces in 1941.
WWII Era (1940s): Due to wartime, they produced jewelry using alternative materials such as plastics, wood, and sterling silver.
The “Golden Age” (1950s–1960s): Lead designer William Markle introduced bold, colorful pieces, often featuring rhinestones, glass beads, and simulated pearls, inspired by Gothic, Art Deco, and Renaissance styles.
The 1970s: Larry Vrba became the head designer, creating iconic, sculptural, and highly collectible pieces inspired by Pre-Columbian art.
Closing: The company generally operated until 1977.
Modern Revival: The brand was relaunched, with contemporary pieces still handmade in New York City using vintage materials.
Common marks include “Castlecliff,” “Castlemark” (late 1940s–early 1950s), and “Anne Klein for Castlecliff
