When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have not been able to find this specific item online but this is what AI found for me. Please do not take this as undisputed facts. As I've stated, I have not found anything with my own attempts to research this specific piece. Given the "Detroit, Mich. Heart of the City" emblem on the front, this specific item was created as a high-quality souvenir piece to celebrate the city, likely sold at a local exposition, historical event, or premium department store during that era. The approximate age of this piece is 125 to 135 years old, dating back to the late 1890s or early 1900s. This age is determined by several specific characteristics of the item: 1. Hardware and Pin Style The Clasp: The back features a heavy-gauge, thick T-bar pin mechanism and a basic bent-metal "C" clasp. This open-hook style was standard prior to the invention of modern safety latches (which emerged around 19101930). The Stem: The pin extends past the edge of the buckle. This extra length allowed it to easily pierce and secure thick, bundled fabrics used in Victorian-era sashes. [1, 2, 3, 4] 2. Design Style Art Nouveau Influence: The flowing, asymmetrical lines, embossed flowers, and organic swirls are classic hallmarks of the Art Nouveau movement, which dominated fashion between 1890 and 1910. [1, 2] 3. Historical Context Souvenir Boom: The late 19th and early 20th centuries were the peak era for manufacturing detailed metal souvenir trinketslike match safes, pocket watches, spoons, and clothing pinsto celebrate booming industrial hubs like Detroit.
Measures approximately 2.75" x 1.75"
