Rare Harry Iskin Convertible Framed Brooch – “Patent Applied For” – Numbered 3-Piece Mechanical Scatter Pin System – Late 1940s

Offered is a scarce and mechanically engineered Harry Iskin convertible framed brooch, marked “ISKIN PAT. APP.” on the reverse.

This is not a standard three-pin set, but a true convertible system designed to function as one large brooch or separate into three individual scatter pins.

Each removable pin is keyed to a specific position within the frame and stamped with matching assembly numbers to ensure proper alignment. The components must be assembled in numerical order to seat correctly within the three-lobed engagement structure. The pins attach via a discrete multi-point mechanism rather than a traditional rail-slide system, making this mechanically distinct from common mid-century Duette designs.

The engineering reflects the late 1940s wave of convertible jewelry innovation, during which manufacturers sought patent protection for novel attachment systems. This example retains the original “Patent Applied For” marking, indicating the mechanism was submitted for patent consideration at the time of production.

Documentation / Reference:

Costume Jewelry Collectors (CJCI) documents Harry Iskin “framed brooch” convertibles using a three-prong frame and notes a form consisting of one larger pin and two scatter pins mounted to such a frame. CJCI also records examples marked “Iskin Pat. App.” and notes that a patent number has not yet been widely identified. This piece corresponds to that documented form.

Details:

• Signed: ISKIN PAT. APP.

• Three original numbered scatter pins

• Matching numbered frame assembly

• Silver-tone pot metal construction

• Clear rhinestones, prong set

• Circa late 1940s

• All stones present

• Mechanism fully functional

Condition:

Very good vintage condition. All stones are present. A small number show minor age-related dulling consistent with period rhinestone jewelry. No replacements observed. Mechanism engages securely and aligns properly when assembled in correct numerical order.

An increasingly scarce example of mid-century mechanical costume jewelry design retaining its original matched components and patent-applied marking.