Posted 10 years ago
Betty1978
(58 items)
Here are my latest Lea Stein purchases: one known as the 'Diver' (1970's) and the other one depicting Calimero (c. 1975), the unlucky baby bird from the Italian cartoon.
The diver brooch is quite large: about 12 cm long (almost 5"). It has a little fault: one of the lady's feet is missing. It is hardly noticeable and I paid ten times less than the usual price (around $200) for it. Makes it even more unique! ;)
I don't know if Calimero is famous in Anglo-Saxon countries, but it used to be very popular in France in the 70's and in the 80's. Anyway, this little fellow by Lea Stein is 5 cm (2") high. It is very rare and I was quite happy to find it for a derisory sum...
Thank you! :)
I always felt every time I see this brooch of the lady fully dressed but seems to be either floating in mid air, or if you posed her vertically, she would be falling backwards, the one with the tennis racket has the same pose, so it's confusing, especially if you know the French name, I am bilingual, so the French and English versions do not always make sense.
Just discovered your CW posts, funny because I have been here on and off for 6 years, bought my first Lea Stein brooch in 1981 in Paris department store, all I could afford then, to come full circle and recently resumed my interest in her pieces. Glad you are here with your collections.
Thanks for your kind comment, Truthordare!
Yes, whether this lady is a diver is a subject of dispute amongst Lea Stein fans. It is true that her position is not very natural, not to mention her outfit which is not really convenient to swim with...
I've been collecting Lea Stein jewelry for about 15 years now. I mostly buy them at flea markets or car boot sales here in France. I'd be glad to see your collection too!
Have nice weekend! :)