Vintage Peru Octagon Sterling Silver Incan Dancing Princess Cats Huge Brooch

Description

Read the condition section below the description where I point out any defects with every item I list. I’m human, so I may miss something. This is why photos are a part of the description. Any other items in the background or props besides the listed item are not included in this auction.
Up for sale/auction is a highly detailed and quite large vintage Peruvian carved sterling silver brooch. The brooch is an octagonal shape, and features a dancing woman/princess dressed in traditional Incan costume. Highly prominent cats (or leopards) are carved into two of the eight side panels. Viracocha is featured in two others. The engraving and carving were crafted by someone extremely skilled.
The brooch measures just under 2.5” from the widest and tallest points. It is hallmarked on the underside, 925, Peru, and the initials ART. There is a simple silver band c-clasp and lightly crafted hinge. The pin weighs 17 grams.
Condition: Very good vintage (approximately 50 to 60 years old) condition. Minor scuffing, nicks, scratches, tarnish consistent with a previously owned/worn piece of jewelry. I find the c-clasp and hinge to not be the quality of the carved front. They both seem flimsy compared to the brooch, although they work just fine. If this were mine, I might consider replacing them and adding an enhancer hook.
The Fine Print
Welcome to my shop! I’ve been a dealer and collector of fine vintage sterling silver jewelry for over 40 years and am now retired from the trade. Most of the pieces listed this year have been off-market for over 10 years or from my personal collection.
Photos:
Please review all photos and descriptions of condition. Photos are part of the description. All measurements are approximate and done to the best of my ability. Ring size is measured on a standard mandrel. Weights are provided in grams and measured on a postal scale that is calibrated.
Returns:
I do not accept returns, but will do my best with you to ensure you receive communication from me. Ebay is filled with buyers who only want to flip items. I sell for design, quality and beauty, not for scrap metal value.
Payment:
I encourage you to contact me if you have an issue with paying in the given time period by eBay. If you cannot pay, I ask that you refrain from bidding. Think about how you buy online from other independent sellers on Etsy, Posh or other secondary selling markets. You would not be able to delay payment and then walk away without completing the transaction. Let’s be good trading partners and do our best. I know I am.
What condition are these pieces in:
These items are all vintage, antique (older than 50 years), or from a secondary contemporary marketplace. As such, there will be scuffs, scratches on stones and metal, visible use, sometimes slightly bent ring bands or clasps or rings that need attention. I will do my best to photograph these or point out any issues. Please review all photos prior to bidding.
I leave the patina on pieces, especially with oxidation. If you would prefer something to be shinier and polished before it is mailed, please contact me and I will use an industry recommended product to hand polish, although it may leave a slight odor that can easily be removed by you with rinsing in water with gentle detergents.
Shipping:
I pay free USPS insurance with all sales, according to the final bid value. You pay basic flat rate for Priority shipping in a small box, anywhere in the US. I will provide a free jewelry pouch for most items unless the item is too large to fit.
For combined shipping:
Please contact me at the end of the auction if you win more than one item. I will send you a manual eBay invoice with one shipping charge. If you pay right away with eBay’s automatic separate invoices, I cannot combine shipping.
Items sold for a value of over 0 USD will require signature confirmation.
International shipping:
I am willing to ship internationally,
but you will need to contact me prior to bidding to work out the details.
The issue right now is that the US postal service international rates are incredibly expensive (rates could be as high as or more for an item that is only ), and it is delayed here as well as other countries by the global pandemic.
Allergy alert:
This is a smoke-free household but we do have cats, so if a stray hair makes its way into your package, I cannot take responsibility for your allergic reaction. But I promise, the cats are not allowed to wear the jewelry when they party at night.