Swank Basketweave Tie Clip Mad Men Era

Swank Basketweave Tie Clip Mad Men Era
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Swank.

The name is synonymous with stylish men's jewelry and accessories. There are so many enduring pieces of vintage Swank men's jewelry that one can find either online or at your local flea market, swap meet or thrift store. Everything including tie clips, cufflinks, shirt clips, collar tips and more are still floating around in the haunts where collectophiles both hawk their wares and pursue worthy treasure.

There's probably a bit about about this prolific company that you didn't know; I'll be including some of that information later in the blog.

Being a lover of history (I think most collectors are) I am always fascinated by company names and try to familiarize myself with the company's history, how/why a certain name was chosen. What idea was the company trying to convey to the public by using a particular name?

Well....SWANK has always fascinated me. According to dictionary online the following entry reveals the layers of meaning within the word.

Swank:

1. Imposingly fashionable or elegant; grand.
2. Ostentatious; pretentious.
Smartness in style or bearing; elegance.
3. Swagger

Back in 1897 I don't think anyone was 'swaggering' around ala Mary J. Blige mind you, but....I think, the fashion conscious divas and divos of the day had a certain "bearing" and comported themselves in a way that I suppose, could have been interpreted as pretentious; I like to think of them walking in a way that elevated style to an art form by the wearing just the right 'swanky' accessories.

Have a great week,
HDRose

Clothes make the man it's oft been said and for over 100 years Swank has been placing polish, shine and finishing touch on our American men.

The following information on this company is taken directly from Carly Wickell's, About.com Guide


Swank, Inc. Origins:
Swank was founded in Attleboro, Massachusetts in 1897. Originally called the Attleboro Manufacturing Company, it manufactured and distributed men's and women's costume jewelry.

During World War I the company made dog tags for the US military. After the war ended, it changed focus to produce only men's jewelry and accessories.

Swank is still in business today and manufactures specialized lines for Kenneth Cole, Anne Klein and many other modern day fashion houses.

This basketweave tie clasp is a well made and highly detailed example of Swank workmanship with what appears to be either rhodium or a stainless steel finish (although not marked as such.) It's a timeless piece with personality and it's available in my Etsy shop.

All vintage Swank pieces have a substantial and sturdy feel to them and were prodcued with high quality materials that have withstood the test of time.