Ref: Warman's Vintage Jewelry by Leigh Leshner on page 65.

Collecting Costume Jewelry 202 by Julia C. Carrol, page 24

Fabulous Fakes by Carole Tanenbaum, p. 133.

I have owned this item before with the MB Phrygian helmet marking) This one is unmarked.

This brooch is a legendary creature with the body and tail of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Griffins are known to guard treasures and priceless possessions because they were perceived to be powerful and majestic. The design patent # is 129843 issued to Marel Boucher in 1941.

Cadoro Inc. NY was founded by Actor Steve Brody and Dan Staneskieu in 1945. The jewelry was custom designed, highly fashionable, had crafted using brushed gold and silver tone metals, rhinestones and glass crystals from all over the world, seed pearls and stones from the ocean depths. The stones were prong set like a set of dog's teeth that firmly griped the stones. The jewelry made included 3 dimensionals fish, animals and Russian inspired jewelry. Dan died in 1960s and the company ceased operations in 1970. Pieces by this company are extremely hard to find.

Cadoro pieces usually sell in the $250.00 - $300.00 range.

PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR DELIVERY ON INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS. These mailings go through customs! WE DO NOT SHIP TO ITALY due to problems we have encountered with lost and delayed packages in Itallian Customs. (Non spediamo in Italia. Questo e dovuto ai problemi avuti per i molti pacchetti perduti ed arrivati in riatardo a cause della Dogama Italiana.)

We cannot be held responsible for postal delays, lost or damaged packages.

We will automatically insure U.S. packages on merchandise over $100.00. Please request insurance if you desire it.

This pin is illustrated in different color in Warman's Vintage Jewelry by Leigh Leshner Karuse Publications 2008

Reference: Brunialti, American Costume Jewelry- Art & Industry (2008) designed by Jacques Leff, in 1939 page 162 in Vol. #1

I have seen this pin as high as $895.00.