Elzac Wooden Texas Steer Pin

This oversized vintage Elzac long-horned steer pin has a carved wooden face, red plastic nose ring, green Lucite horns, and leather/fur ears and top fluff. Measuring nearly 5" wide and 3.25" long, this California vintage creation will dress up (or down) any jacket. EUC excellent condition. Unsigned - Elzac creations were sold with a paper tag, which was removed after purchase. (See last photo, which shows the steer pin in a Sears Roebuck catalog.)

The name "Elzac" is a combination the first names of Eliot Handler and Zach Zemby, two of the founders of Elzac of California. The company was formed in 1941 and operated for about 5 years, producing fanciful and fun wooden, Lucite, and ceramic brooches and figurines. These bits of "lapel loot" were wildly popular during WWII, helping to raise women's spirits during war time.

A bit of trivia . . . Elliot was married to Ruth Handler, who in 1945 formed Mattel, Inc. and was the mastermind behind the Barbie doll. In about 1945, Elliot sold his interest in Elzac and began working for Mattel full-time. Also in 1945, Zemby left to form Zemby & Co. There is no information on Elzac after about 1946.