Saturday, July 17, 2010

Brass Ones

I think it's time for a change.

Next week I'll be placing an order for the new run of Miskatonic University patches and lapel pins that will be available in August. All the pins I've done in the past have had an antiqued brass finish, but there have been a number of requests for a full color cloisonne pin. I think that's what I'd like to do for the next run. For comparison, here's what the antiqued brass version looks like:



The cloisonne version would be essentially the same, but duplicating the color scheme of the Miskatonic seal with fired enamel in the spaces between the raised brass portions. Here's a rough mock-up of what it would look like:



The antiqued brass version has a classic appearance, with a very understated vintage feel. On the other hand, the cloisonne version is far more eye-catching and really "pops" because of the polished brass and enamel finish. Personally, I think the cloisonne looks fantastic, but I can appreciate the subtlety of the old version.

What do you think? I'm all for going full color, but if you really don't like it I won't tamper with things.

16 comments:

James Floyd Kelly (Jim) said...

Cloisonne - absolutely.

Nick Biddle said...

I think full color is the way to go. Will the patches carry the same design?

Tyler said...

The antiqued brass one seems more in period to me. I don't know if that an accurate perception, but it feels that way.

Nick Storm said...

I like it (the colour). I think I may just know a LARP group that will place a multiple order to use for their event staff as distance visable lapel pins.

Fringe Doktor said...

I say "Tamper Away". Looks great. If worn, I'm guessing it'll really get enquiries. I'll find out when I buy one!

M. le Comte de Rigueur said...

I think you'll sell out regardless, so you could probably afford to do both (and if given the chance I'll buy both!) but if it's one or the other my vote remains with brass simply so it makes a matching set with the two expedition badges.

Blast 'em said...

I have to agree with tyler, the antiqued brass seems more in keeping.

Anonymous said...

I don't know about the Historical Brown Uni, but a lot of social clubs, school alumni groups and sporting clubs all produced membership pins in a cloisonné finish at the time. So to me the cloisonné is a more "authentic" representation of what a period lapel pin would have been like.

drjon said...

I'll certainly be getting one, if you do them!

Anonymous said...

Hi

here is a picture of french footbal teams badges or pins from 1920/1930 found on ebay

>>>> http://cgi.ebay.fr/Lot-8-ANCIEN-badge-boutonniere-epingle-emaille-FOOTBALL-/160440190551

Coloured and enamelled (surely cloisonné too)

Even at this time colour was used.

So.....


Alban

Chris said...

The colored version looks fantastic. I like the other version as well of course. I agree with Alban, colored pins are clearly valid for the classic era. Cloisonné is a very old technique.

Unknown said...

I have to go with the antiqued brass pins.

Doc Atomic said...

Both are wonderful!

Picking between the two is difficult. I like the antique brass because it's nice and old looking, and it fits with the other pins for an attractive set.

On the other hand, the color one really does pop nicely, and there's never anything wrong with cloisonne.

I don't think you can fairly compare the two -- they each have their own charms. I'd be happy with either, I'd be happier with both. I agree with M. le Comte de Rigueur: I think you would probably sell out a run of either -- or both. Some people would buy one of each (I'd buy two of each, as is my typical pattern of purchases where your work is concerned), and some people might only buy one or the other -- but you'd definitely find enough of a customer base to sell out each set.

Wiz-War said...

I would buy both but I have to say that it would be nice to have a Cloisonne version.

gu said...

I would buy both, and yes 2 of each.

Anonymous said...

Can I still get one of these?