Imperial German Gilt & Enamel Heraldic Brooch with Crown and Eagle Device

This is a finely crafted gilt and enamel heraldic brooch dating to the Imperial German period, likely produced as a decorative civic or patriotic piece rather than as an official military decoration. The brooch is topped by a stylized mural crown, beneath which is a red enameled shield bearing a gilt crowned eagle displayed—an emblem strongly reminiscent of heraldic devices used in various German states and municipalities prior to 1918.

Suspended from the shield are three ornate openwork filigree drops, each adorned with small red enamel cabochons and terminating in elongated teardrop-shaped pendants with rich red enamel faces. The overall design reflects the late 19th–early 20th century taste for combining civic heraldry with fashionable jewelry styling.

The reverse shows a simple pin-back fastener and plain gilt surface without maker’s mark. The quality of the enamel work is high, with deep color and intact surfaces showing only minimal wear. The gilt finish retains good luster with some age-appropriate toning.

Pieces like this were often worn on civilian attire to show loyalty to a specific city or province, or to commemorate special civic events. While this example cannot be definitively attributed to a single location without further archival reference, the crowned eagle motif was common to several German regions, including Silesia, Brandenburg, and Prussian cities with granted civic arms.

CONDITION:
Excellent overall. Enamel is bright and free from major chips or cracks. Gilt shows light handling wear. Pin-back mechanism remains intact and functional.

DIMENSIONS:
Height: 65 mm (including drops)
Width: 25 mm (at widest point of shield)

PROVENANCE:
From a private German collection, acquired in the 1970s.