The Hippocampus is a sea animal from Greek and Phoenician Mythology. The mythical creature has the front half and head of a horse, and the back half has the body of a sea serpent and the tail of a fish or a mermaid. The Greek meaning of the word is “Hippos” (horse) and “Kampos” (sea monster). These Mer-horses were the beasts of burden to the Gods. They were often the mounts of sea nymphs and Poseidon, the God of the Sea has often been pictured with these animals pulling his sea-chariot. They were popular on the Carousel rides for children at the fairs and amusement parks. Even Lenox used a carousel Mer-horse in 2002 for one of its figurine creations.

This brooch is signed on the back with what appears to be the letters J and C or T and C entwined and inside of a shield cartouche. The horse measures 2 ¼ inches from the top of the carousel pole to the bottom of the pole and 3 inches from the nose to the tail. The saddle sits upon the back and is decorated behind it with flowers. It even has a stirrup hanging from the saddle. The detail is quite intricate on this lovely brooch, down to the scales on the tail to the tiny fastenings on the stirrup and reins. The color ranges from a matte silver grey color with bright shiny silver accents on the saddle, reins, mane and the tail. The carousel pole is also a shiny silver.

This finely crafted brooch is in excellent vintage condition as you can see by the enlarged photographs. There is one tiny defect, but you don’t see it without magnification. I have pointed it out with an arrow in the photo. The blue marks showing in the silver are not loss of finish, just color reflections from clothing and other items near the brooch. It has a secure rollover safety clasp on the back. Please look at the photos as they are part of the description and show the details better than I can describe.

This is an unusual and beautiful brooch and is sure to be a conversation piece. It would be stunning with a little black dress for a special occasion, or with your favorite pair of jeans. It will be a fine addition to your collection of figural jewelry or Carousels and a great gift for any lover of Greek Mythology.

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