🐟✨ Mid-Century Sterling Silver Stylised Bream Brooch | Scandinavian Modernist Design | 1940s Statement Pin

This beautifully judged mid-century (c. 1940s) sterling silver figural brooch is modelled as a stylised bream, expressed in the refined, design-led language collectors often associate with Scandinavian Modern taste: clean lines, confident simplification, and an emphasis on form and surface over literal naturalism. The result reads as both jewellery and a small sculptural object—compact in scale yet notably substantial in-hand at 20.27 grams ⚖️, with excellent presence when worn.

The bream silhouette is articulated through a softly modelled head with defined lips, a rounded body, and crisply simplified fins. What elevates this piece—particularly for discerning modernist jewellery collectors—is the surface handling: a subtly planished / pebbled texture that throws shifting highlights across the body, contrasted with smoother, slightly raised areas that provide structure and visual rhythm ✨. In wear, it performs especially well on darker textiles—cashmere, navy wool, black tailoring—where the texturing catches the light without looking overly bright or “new” 🌊🧥.

🪙 Marks & Metal
The reverse carries a split/partial purity stamp reading “STER / …LING SILVER”, consistent with the standard STERLING SILVER designation. There is also an indistinct maker’s cartouche to the left, above the hallmark area. The silver presents with an honest vintage patina that suits the modernist aesthetic and complements the texturing ✨.

📏⚖️ Dimensions & Weight

• Width: 5.3 cm

• Depth (nose to tail): 3.5 cm

• Height (relief): 0.5 cm

• Weight: 20.27 g

🧾 Provenance
From a Northern Shires dealer’s collection, subsequently curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

✅💚 Why You’ll Love It
✅ Collector-grade feel — at 20.27 g, it has the satisfying density expected of serious mid-century sterling.
✅ Scandinavian Modernist taste — streamlined, design-forward modelling that reads sophisticated rather than novelty.
✅ Surface play for days — planished/pebbled texture gives depth and beautiful light-catch on the lapel ✨.
✅ Wearability built in — compact footprint with strong relief; ideal on tailoring, knitwear, and coats 🧥.
✅ Timeless motif, elevated execution — recognisable fish form, handled with modernist restraint 🐟.

🔍 Condition Report
Presented in good vintage condition, commensurate with age and prior wear. Expect light surface scuffs and fine scratches visible under close inspection, along with areas of natural tarnish/patina—particularly in recesses and textured zones—which enhances contrast and definition ✨. The purity mark is partially struck/partially worn, reading “STER / …LING SILVER”, consistent with age and handling. No obvious splits or repairs are apparent in the provided images. As with all vintage pins, the clasp/hinge should be checked prior to dispatch.