Bell Trading Post Sunbell Modernist Abstract Geometry Mixed Metal Brass Question Mark Genuine Copper Pin Brooch




Bell Trading Post Sunbell Modernist Abstract Geometry Mixed Metal Brass Question Mark Genuine Copper Pin Brooch
Materials and Features:
Bi-Metal Mixed-Media Architecture: A distinctive mid-century fusion of materials. This piece features a heavy-gauge solid copper organic diamond shield plate serving as a structural canvas for a contrasting, heavy-gauge solid brass rod element. The brass is hand-torched and hand-shaped into an avant-garde question mark silhouette.
Industrial Cold-Connected Riveting: Engineered utilizing two distinct mechanical fastening points to ensure structural permanence. The lower terminal ball of the question mark is cold-connected via a deep-set manual rivet, while the upper curve terminal is anchored by a hidden rivet plate mounted directly beneath the safety catch housing block.
Torch-Applied Ombré Patination: The copper background chassis is treated with a specialized torch-fired chemical application. This creates a deep, dark shadow perimeter ring that fades into warm, natural amber and orange tones along the polished outer edges, emphasizing the sculptural relief of the golden brass insert.
Non-Ferrous Material Purity: The main structural copper chassis and the hand-bent brass rod details are 100% non-magnetic and non-ferrous. The slight, beautifully aged color changes on the raised wire reflect an authentic natural oxidation process over decades of curation, not cheap material plating loss.
Type: Standard roll-over catch mechanism
Age/Origin: Circa 1969 / Early 1970s (Modernist Post-War Movement / Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA)
Marks: GENUINE COPPER (Stamped in the signature crisp, mechanical sans-serif block lettering utilized by the Bell Trading Post foundry)
Other: This exceptional piece is an authentic, documented production from the celebrated "Modernist Abstract Geometry" collection by Sunbell, a prominent mid-century design house and corporate successor to the legendary Bell Trading Post. Sunbell intentionally utilized this unbranded "GENUINE COPPER" block-stamping format for their avant-garde and geometric abstract lines to market them directly to high-end modernist fashion boutiques nationwide rather than regional Southwestern tourist gift shops. The combination of the clean sans-serif stamping, dual cold-riveted connections, and bi-metal copper/brass styling serves as an undeniable factory fingerprint that guarantees true high-end collectible pedigree.
Measurements:
Weight: 9g (Balanced, comfortable outerwear mass)
Dimensions: Approx. 2” x 1.25”
Condition: Very Good Condition. Both the solid copper base plate and the solid brass question-mark rods maintain superb structural integrity. The torch-applied ombré edge patination remains beautifully dark and defined. The reverse side exhibits an authentic natural maturation with zero green verdigris or corrosion. The mechanical pin stem retains linear alignment, and the roll-over safety barrel catch locks firmly with a strong pull against a magnet due to its resilient iron-alloy hardware casing.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY & ARCHIVAL RECORD IN PDF FORMAT IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST