Vintage Swoboda Red Coral Donkey Brooch with Emerald Eye
Swoboda · Jewelry & Watches > Vintage & Antique Jewelry > Brooches & Pins
Era / Decade
1960s (Mid-Century Modern)
Material
Gold-plated base metal (likely 24k gold plated over brass), genuine polished red sponge coral body, and a genuine emerald gemstone eye. Swoboda is known for using semi-precious stones rather than glass or plastic.
Condition
Good to Very Good. The gold plating shows light surface wear typical of age. The red coral has natural pitting and darker inclusions which are characteristic of biological coral, not damage. The pin mechanism on the back (not visible) is assumed functional.
Demand Level
Moderate to Strong. Figural brooches from the mid-century remain popular, and Swoboda is a sought-after name in 'better' costume jewelry.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$65.00 - $110.00
Estimated Retail Value
$150.00 - $225.00 (Inflation-adjusted vintage boutique pricing)
Comparable Sales
Similar Swoboda animal brooches with coral and natural stones typically sell for $55-$95 on eBay. Rare larger figures or those in mint condition frequently reach $120+ on specialized vintage sites like Etsy and Ruby Lane.
Description
Exquisite vintage Swoboda brooch featuring a whimsical donkey or burro design. This piece is crafted with a textured gold-plated body, a vibrant polished red coral 'blanket' or saddle, and a sparkling green emerald gemstone eye. Swoboda jewelry is highly collectible for its use of natural semi-precious stones. Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Perfect for collectors of figural animal jewelry or political memorabilia (Democrat donkey symbolism).
Key Features
Authentic semi-precious coral; genuine emerald eye; high-quality Swoboda craftsmanship; figural animal design; multi-market appeal (jewelry collectors vs. political collectors).
Authenticity Indicators
The textured gold-plating style and the use of genuine polished coral are hallmarks of Swoboda design. While many pieces were unsigned, the specific assembly method of the stones onto the metal frame is consistent with the brand's production. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Natural inclusions and minor pitting in the coral (inherent to material); light tarnishing/wear on gold plating at high-friction points (feet/ears); potential lack of a signature (many Swoboda pieces originally had hang tags rather than stamps).
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (for the vintage reach), eBay (for collectors), or Ruby Lane (high-end vintage jewelry). Facebook Marketplace is less ideal due to the niche nature of the collector brand.
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Swoboda', 'Red Coral', 'Figural Burro', 'Emerald Eye', and 'Mid-Century'. Take macro photos of the eye and the texture of the coral to prove they are natural stones. Mention the 'Democrat Donkey' mascot appeal to attract political memorabilia collectors.