Vintage ‘Streetcar’ brooch silver tone tone faux pearls 1960 by Tortolani

Vintage San Francisco Market Street and Hyde Trolley Cable Car Torolani brooch pin that was featured on page 229 of Marcia Brown’s book, Signed Beauties of Costume Jewelry. She valued it at $125.00 at the time of publication in 2006. The brooch dates to the mid century based on the maker’s mark on the inside back – © Tortolani. The older Tortolani pieces have the © mark in front of the script signature, as this one does, and are considered to be highly prized. author notes, the antique finish that “blackens the back is an important clue” that it is an authentic Tortolani. Tortolani pieces are partially prized based on the quality of the work and award willing designs. Pieces were hand-cast in pewter and polished by hand. Tortolani Jewelry was founded by Italian born Francisco Torolani after World War II and from 1950 to 1976, created an award-winning line of costume jewelry. They designed gifts for various movie stars of that era and were known for their three-dimensional styles and detail. The company ceased operations in l976. This trolley car is made of textured pewter with faux pearls for the lights. The pin measures 1.5” in length and height and has a depth of 5/8”. The pictures offer greater perspective on the vintage condition and mid century charm of this delightful. (Note: I have a red camera and on a couple of pictures you can