Bakelite Dangling Cherries Brooch, ca. 1940s

Description

This delightful Bakelite brooch is a classic look, consisting of a bar pin with 8 dangling cherries. The Bakelite cherries are accented with celluloid leaves and a chunky celluloid chain. The color of the Bakelite is not the bright, classic cherry red you usually see. Instead, it's more of a dusky, plummy red, like merlot, and subtly marbled. The first, darker photo is the better representation of the color. This fabulous statement brooch is impressive in size, hanging to a total length of about 4". The bar pin itself measures 3/8" x 1 7/8". At the bottom the cherries spread out to about 2 1/2".
Condition is excellent with just light, age-appropriate surface wear to the Bakelite. It's a bit heavier on the bar pin, which is the part that would have been handled the most. The celluloid is in very nice shape and the riveted rolling bar clasp hardware is secure. The only matter of note is the green cherry stems which have lost some of their coating. This is really common on this type of piece and the cherries are still hanging securely.
The Bakelite tests positive with Simichrome.