Bauman-Massa

Vintage 1938 Bauman-Massa Traveling Lady Fur Clip Signed Jomaz Bellhop Pin RARE

$125.00+ $7.99 shipping · total at checkout

• SizeOS
• ConditionGood

Size and condition above come from the listing. The description below is the seller’s own text.

Vintage 1938 Bauman-Massa / Jomaz Figural "Traveling Lady" / "Bellhop" Fur Clip Up for sale is a highly collectible, rare early book piece: a 1938 Bauman-Massa figural "Traveling Lady" (also known as the Bellhop or Traveling Saleswoman) fur clip. This iconic Art Deco-era design features a woman mid-stride carrying two large, vibrant emerald-cut rhinestone paste suitcases—one aquamarine blue and one deep amethyst purple. She wears a black enamel skirt and a heavily textured pavé rhinestone jacket. This piece is an authentic, signed variant featuring its original dual-prong fur clip Overall condition is good. It has been loved for a long time but still has alot of love left. • Hallmark: Signed on the reverse. The original Bauman-Massa maker's mark is present but has become significantly worn down and faint due to age and wear. • Mechanism: RARE FUR CLIP Features its original double-prong fur clip mechanism rather than a standard pin back. The spring hinge mechanism is firm, functional, and snaps securely into place. • Rhinestones: The two main emerald-cut suitcase crystals are bright, intact, and securely prong-set. There are a few clear pavé rhinestones on the jacket show age-related darkening typical of 1930s paste stones. The jacket is missing approximately 4–5 small clear stones. • Enamel: The black cold enamel on the skirt is largely intact with only minor chips along the edges. • Metal Finish: The gold-tone plating shows fading & wear consistent with a well loved 80+ year old piece. Some spots on the legs and hat, but overall its still has alot of life. The History of the "Traveling Lady" Design Launched right at the tail end of the Art Deco movement in 1938, this piece belongs to a broader whimsical trend known as novelty or figural jewelry. During the late 1930s and through the World War II era, jewelry designers pivoted away from strictly abstract geometric patterns toward playful, narrative figures. The "Traveling Lady" (often interpreted as a chic woman traveler or a stylish bellhop carrying luxury bags) became a major hit. It captured the era's fascination with glamorous travel, luxury locomotives, and transatlantic ocean liners. The clever calling card of this specific design is its visual trickry: instead of traditional metal suitcases accented with stones, the designer used massive, open-backed emerald-cut crystal paste rhinestones as the physical suitcases. Why It Is So Collectible Collectors fiercely hunt for this piece for three main reasons: 1. A Documented "Book Piece": In the antique community, a "book piece" is an item featured and identified in authoritative costume jewelry reference guides. Because it is highly documented, its authenticity and historical value are concrete. 2. The Dual-Prong Fur Clip Mechanism: As seen on the back of your piece, it uses a spring-loaded, double-prong mechanism instead of a standard pin clasp. Fur clips were designed to pinch safely onto thick winter fur coats, heavy cloaks, or lapels without tearing the fabric. They were more expensive to manufacture than traditional pins, meaning fewer were produced, making them much scarcer today. 3. The Play of Material Contrast: The blend of heavy black cold-enamel against a sparkling pavé rhinestone jacket represents the pinnacle of 1930s "pot metal" fashion. Finding them with both large, primary suitcase stones fully intact is a major win for costume jewelry enthusiasts. About the Company: Bauman-Massa Jewelry Co. Founded in St. Louis, Missouri, Bauman-Massa was one of the longest-running, most respected wholesale and manufacturing jewelry houses in American history, operating for 132 years (1882–2014). • The Founders: The company was established by German-born immigrants Samuel H. Bauman and Edwin Massa. Originally a watch and jewelers' supply company, they expanded heavily into manufacturing their own high-end pieces. • The Costume Jewelry Era (1935–1941): While they dealt in fine diamonds, gold, and watches, the company launched its specialized costume jewelry trademark, Cardinal, in 1935. Under the direct management of the Bauman family, the company produced highly coveted, intricately enameled novelty lines inspired by travel, nature, and folklore. • The "Jomaz" Connection: The piece is frequently cross-referenced or associated with Jomaz (Joseph Mazer). During the late 1930s, major manufacturing houses frequently collaborated, shared casting molds, or produced variations of high-demand designs for different regional markets. • The End of an Era: The Bauman family sold their stake in the company in 1941. Bauman-Massa pivoted back toward fine jewelry, diamonds, and pearls in their later years before finally closing their doors and liquidating in 2014. Because the golden era of their figural costume jewelry only lasted for a brief window between 1935 and 1941, pieces stamped with the signature "BM" or "Bauman-Massa" from this timeframe are exceptionally finite and highly treasured.

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Vintage 1938 Bauman-Massa Traveling Lady Fur Clip Signed Jomaz Bellhop Pin RARE $125.00

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