Click Here To View the Original Patented Design

Measurement:  The brooch measures:  3 inches across 1 ½ inches wide.  Note measurement was taken with pin stem being horizontal

Condition:  Good Condition

Description:  RARE  Vintage Alfred Philippe Trifari Ming Dragon Brooch  

Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase a truly rare Alfred Philippe dragon brooch of the Trifari Ming Series.   This piece was the FIRST patented piece for the Ming series.

The vintage Trifari jewelry pieces from the Ming series are truly wonderful and HIGHLY collectible.   This particular brooch is one of the more rare pieces of the series AND being the first patented design of the series, it’s a MUST HAVE for the serious collector.

I am told that the dragon with the tail pointed downward in black enamel and faux pearl body is the rarer of the dragons in the collection; perhaps because it was the first patented piece and maybe because there was less faux pearl material… (total speculation on my part)  In 8 years of collecting, I’ve only seen this piece once.

The Trifari dragon design was patented in February 1942.  The patent number is:  D131,426.  I’ve included it for your viewing.  This piece can also been seen in Brunialti’s book on page 115 and 116 in the red enamel  faux jade body version.  The red version of this collection can also been seen on page 417 of Jeanne Bell, “Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry.” 6^th Edition.

 This particular piece was made with pride by the expertise of Trifari during the wartime rationing of priority metals.    

Many of the Trifari Ming pieces have been copied and sold as originals.  It is my belief that because this piece is so rare we haven’t seen knockoffs in the market yet! 

The dragon is gold tone with black enameling and a faux pearl baroque body with tiny green rhinestone accents.  The body of the dragon is also accented with tiny crystal chaton rhinestones.  There is some minor enameling loss and one small divot on the pearl body, so please examine pictures closely.  One of the green rhinestones in the body of the piece looks slightly darker.  Piece is being sold as is.   Marked Pat Pend and Trifari.  The striking of the "T" of  Trifari  is partially imprinted.  

Price:  SOLD