Marleen vintage costume jewelry

Marleen vintage costume jewelry (1941-1948)
Located in the US jewelry capital – the city of Providence, Rhode Island, Marleen Costume Jewelry Company was active in 1941-1948. The company’s jewelers handcrafted figural costume decorations with the use of sterling silver and gold plating. The marking included the word “Marleen Sterling” and pat. (patent number) on a square base. Marleen, like many manufactories of the 1940s, protected their jewelry with a patent, which helped to determine their belonging. As you know, 1940s jewelers have not yet used the traditional copyright symbol, which appeared in the marking of jewelry in 1954.
Noteworthy, the designer of these pirate motif brooches and earrings from Swashbucklers series was Frederick J. Pearsall. Clayville, Rhode Island based freelance designer Frederick J. Pearsall (1883 – 1975) collaborated with several costume jewelry companies of the time. According to sources, he was the main designer for Marslieu and Marleen companies, as well as the Imperial Pearl company which absorbed Marslieu and Marleen in 1948.
Mentioned in the Brunialti costume jewelry reference book, extremely rare hand-crafted Marleen jewelry pieces are highly collectible now.