Silver-coloured screw-on earring depicting the side profile of a Roman soldier with a plumed galea. The surface of the front of the earring has a rippled look to it, casting light and shadows in different directions. The soldier depicted is showing the left side of his face and is wearing a plumed galea with a small, pointed visor at the front that is reminiscent of a medieval knight's helmet. At the back of the helmet, the plume continues and flows down to the soldier's shoulders. The back of the earring has a short post with a flat backing stamped with cursive writing. There is a longer, curved piece of metal making a U-shape that connects the back of the earring to the end of the post.
This earring was manufactured by Dafri, which was a jewellery manufacturing company based out of Toronto, Canada. While there is little known about the company, Dafri was first established in the mid 1940s and was popular through the 1950s. The company was founded by two people, Dave Ostrom and Mr. Friedman, who combined their names to create the word “Dafri.” Dafri went out of business sometime in the late 1950s, but their jewellery can still be found throughout Canada and on online auction sites today.
With the rougher surface, somewhat round shape, and side profile of a Roman soldier, this earring is likely meant to resemble an ancient Roman coin. The use of Roman coins as jewellery dates back to the 3rd century, and was used not only as a way of adorning one's self, but also as a way of connecting the wearer to the emperor or whoever was depicted on the coin. Wearing coins as jewellery is common in many regions throughout the world, While this earring may be replicating this trend, this particular image has been around since the 1930s and does not depict an actual historical figure. Additionally, this design is still used today for more modern pieces of jewellery.
“Dafri” stamped in cursive on the earring back.