Vintage French Riviera coat of arms brooch enameled bronze heraldic shield pin

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Antique brooch with a coat of arms design, representing the emblem of the French Riviera. The object features a convex escutcheon shape, with rounded corners and a slightly pointed base. On the visible side, the decoration is divided into four quarters, each adorned with stylized heraldic symbols in relief: a brown eagle on a white background, a golden angel on a blue background, a golden feather and two crosslets on a blue background, and a gold and brown lozenge pattern. The inscription "CÔTE D’AZUR" appears at the top, in gold letters on a black background. The whole is enhanced with white, blue, gold, and brown enamel colors, offering a striking contrast and a visual effect typical of mid-20th century decorative objects.

The border of the brooch shows a matte patina, with visible signs of wear on the edges and some oxidation marks, characteristic of old bronze. The enamel work, applied in cloisonné, highlights the details of the patterns and emphasizes the finesse of the execution. No manufacturer's marking is visible on the front. The brooch is presented on an orange textile background, inserted in a molded and gilded frame box, which is only partially visible.

The piece evokes tourist souvenirs and memorabilia from the 1950s-1970s, with a distinct retro style. The contrast of colors, the typography, and the heraldic symbols are reminiscent of typical artisanal creations from French tourist regions.

Condition

Used brooch, showing a patina of use, traces of oxidation on the metallic parts and slight wear on the enamel, mainly on the reliefs and edges. The whole remains legible and decorative.

Did you know? The coat of arms of the French Riviera, often used on 20th-century souvenir items, brings together symbols from the region's main cities: the eagle refers to Nice, while the lozenges evoke Monaco. These objects were frequently made of enameled bronze, a technique appreciated for its resistance and the intensity of its colors.

AFW Reassurance

Careful and fast shipping, professional packaging adapted to fragile objects. Recognized experience in the sale of antique and decorative objects.

Keywords: French Riviera brooch, antique coat of arms pin, heraldic badge, vintage escutcheon, enameled bronze, Riviera souvenir, Nice Monaco coat of arms, French enamel pin, retro badge, France tourist brooch, enameled coat of arms, decorative escutcheon