Antique Brass & Bakelite Seahorse Bracelet - Identification & Value
Question
bracelet
Hello, I came in to possetion of a bracelet recently and it looks to be very old. I have been trying to research the item myself for the last few days, and to be honest i dont know enough about jewelry to do a very good serch. The bracelet is solid brass, with bakeliterectangles screwed in in to, and there are seahorses on the bakelite peices. On the back of the item it says "Made in France." I have a 7" wrist and it is just a little to big on me, so i think it is about 7 1/4" or 7 1/2" long. I was able to locate 2 pictures online with similar bracelets, one did not give a description as to age and maker and the other one just guessed at who they thought was the maker. The one who guessed at the maker sold hers online through ebay saying the maker is Jean Painleve and sold hers for 119.49 usd. Do you think this bracelet could be from his collection, or is it more likely to be from some where else? and is it posible to know ruffly how much it might be worth?
Thank you.
Links to the sites i found the pictures
http://imageevent.com/bluboi/bracelets
http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-BRASS-BAKELITE-Seahorse-Bracelet-FRANCE-Rare_W0QQite...
AnswerHello Tracie and thank you for your inquiry. You have a beautiful bracelet ! I'm not an expert on bakelite so I wouldn't even try to guess the maker of yours. You seem to have done a good job in research already. I would suggest that you try researching in some of the many bakelite books where there are enlarged pictures and more information on the many designers. Your library would be a good source or it would probably be a wise investment to buy one. Ginger Moro has a book on European Jewelry that may have some information. Keep looking online for Bakelite Seahorse items where you can compare yours to the pictures. I find that books can be more enlightening, though. If the bracelet is signed France, then that is where you want to look for more id information. If you can get a good clear picture of the mark and bracelet you might try one of the online appraisers like "What's It Worth To You". They charge a small fee - under $25, and may have more resource information that would be valuable to you. As far as worth - you need the id information first but I believe it would surely be over $100. Hope this helps and enjoy your bracelet !
Sally
jarrettsjade.com
