10k Over Sterling Inca or Mayan Inspired Mask Brooch
 
Beautifully crafted tribal mask brooch.  It is hard to say exactly what tribe really inspired this piece.  Most jewelry with this same design come out of Mexico from between the 1920's - 1950's.  The design is not readily used anymore so these are getting harder to find.  What makes this one a bit more rare, is that it is not stamped with the Mexico or sterling mark, as is usual during these time periods.  It is also 10k gold plated, which again in not the norm; most are simply silver.  This is a cast piece with hand detail wire work with no artisan marks.  I believe this was was a piece that was sold by an street artisan at a dock or train station as they did not usually know the federal hallmark laws that most proprietors or recognized artisans were familiar with.  Selling at these types of venues was very common place.  This brooch has three open ended dangles that sound like rain when in movement.  The face's nose piercing also moves from side to side.  A conversation starter with some history!
 
The brooch is in very good condition with no breaks are cracks to metal or loss of metal wire.  There is normal tarnish from age and the back has a section of gold that has been rubbed off to test purity (please view photos.)  This was done by me to insure that the piece was not sold as a solid gold item.  Back pin is bent slightly from use, but in perfect working order.  This amazing find come all the way from New Mexico and was originally purchased by a lovely lady named Virginia who loved to travel.  She would pick up jewelry every where she went and enjoyed wearing them.  She never married or had children, but spent time and traveled with her mother.  Her niece would like to find a home for this very stunning piece and has asked me to help in this endeavor.  
 
Solid Sterling Silver (tested)
No artisan marks
10k Yellow Gold Plate
2 5/8" inches long x 1 15/16" inches wide
12.08 grams
c.1930's-1950's