The other day, I ran across an interesting pin I’ve held onto for many, many years. It is a mystery piece because it looks nearly identical to the famous Trifari dangling monkey clip, design patent 114,235 issued in 1939; however, in my opinion, it is not Trifari. I have six reasons for this belief.
First, it is not signed. Trifari almost always signed their jewelry. The original clip was signed on the clip mechanism. There is room on the body of the pin for a stamped signature, but there is no signature.
Second, it is a pin and not a clip. Of course, some designs were produced as both pins and clips. However, I have not seen an authentic, Trifari version of this design as a pin.
Thirdly, the style of the pin back does not match the Trifari preferred “flat topped” pin back. The lack of this type of pin back is a strong clue the piece is not Trifari; however, by itself, the style of the pin back is not definitive proof the design is not Trifari. There are some Trifari pieces with different pin backs. It could also be a replacement.
Fourthly, it is the wrong size. The original clip shown on page 73 of American Costume Jewelry Art & Industry, 1935 – 1950 Volume 2 by Carla Ginelli Brunialti & Roberto Brunialti measures 5.8X5 cm. This pin measures 4.5X5 cm.
Next, on very close examination, the details on the pin do not exactly match the details on the clip. The clip has curling vines under each arm. In the original, these curls are open – a definite curl. The left curl on the unsigned pin, shown below, is closed and decorated with a rhinestone.
Finally, Trifari often set the lines of rhinestones decorating their designs in silver tone metal, even on a gold-plated piece. Early designs, like the monkey design, would have been done that way.
The lines of rhinestones in this piece are set in gold-plated metal matching the rest of the plating. In addition, the plating is thin. The marks on the tail and branches are signs of inferior plating. Trifari is known for their thick, quality plating.
When taken together – the preponderance of evidence – I conclude this is not Trifari.
Even though this is not Trifari, the quality of this pin is very good. It was made by highly skilled hands. It is so close to Trifari’s design, it is as if the same mold-maker that created the Trifari clip, also created this copy.
I love this sweet monkey pin. He is an adorable, well-crafted piece and rare. I’ve never seen another! Even without a brand name, he has a home in my collection.
Happy Collecting,
Julie