Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2006.01.05.01 |
Object Name |
Pin, Tie |
Date |
c.1912 |
Features |
Tie pin made of white gold. Slender bar with elaborate centrepiece that is about 2cm in length. Centrepiece has a circular diamond flanked by one horizontal, tear shaped form on either side of the center diamond containing a diamond chip each. Back of pin has a safety pin catch for attachment, along with a small forked wire safety mechanism. |
Object Story |
This tie pin likely belonged to Harold George Anderson (1887-1932), possibly given to him by his wife Florence Luella Anderson (nee Warner) (1886 -1990). Made by Ryrie Birks Limited Toronto which was owned by the Jeweler Henry Birks. Birks had several jewelry stores across Canada though he had trouble starting a shop in Toronto due to a high amount of popularity for the Toronto store Ryrie Brothers. It is unclear when Birks acquired Ryrie, many antique pundits agree that Birks acquired Ryrie Brothers in 1905 or 1907, however records at Archives of Ontario indicates the Birks was only able to acquire the Ryrie Business after the death of all three Ryrie brothers, the last of which was Harry Ryrie in 1917, which would date this pin after 1917. Due to this lack of clarity it remains unknown when this tie pin was created. The item could not be any later than 1930 as beginning that year jewelry from the business would be marked "Ryrie-Birks-Ellis" The design of the pin indicates it was likely made in the 1920's. The delicate safety clasp with wire safety mechanism indicates that it was made prior to mass manufacturing at the beginning of the 1930's. Furthermore the diamond tie pins were very popular in the 1920's. |
People |
Anderson, Harold George Anderson, Florence Luella (nee Warner) Birks, Henry |
Subjects |
Jewelry Making Jewelry 1920's Fashion Men's Fashion |
Search Terms |
Toronto |