McClelland Barclay Brooch

Q: I have a leaf-shaped brooch that belonged to my mother. It’s marked “McClelland Barclay.” Can you tell me when it was made and what it’s worth?

A: McClelland Barclay (1891-1942) worked in New York City as a commercial artist and magazine illustrator. He started designing jewelry in the late 1930s. His designs were made by the Rice-Weiner Co. from 1939 to 1943. They ranged from gilt metal Art Moderne pieces in 1939 to sterling silver stylized animal designs in 1943. Pieces were usually marked with Barclay’s name. He also designed metal bookends, ashtrays, desk sets and lamps signed with his name. Barclay was a U.S. Navy officer during World War II. He died when his ship was torpedoed near the Solomon Islands. After Barclay’s death, Rice-Weiner made a line of jewelry called “Barclay” that was influenced by his earlier designs. A McClelland Barclay pin sells for about $200.