Masonic Tie Bar Value Guide

This vintage Masonic tie bar represents a piece of mid-century fraternal history, specifically linked to Fairborn Lodge #764 in the United States. Crafted between 1940 and 1960, it served as both a functional menswear accessory and a proud symbol of Freemasonry membership.

What affects the value of Masonic Tie Bar?

• Condition of the enamel work, specifically looking for chips or fading in the Masonic symbols.
• The historical connection to Fairborn Lodge #764 and its appeal to local Ohio-area collectors.
• Overall preservation of the gold-tone plating, with higher value for pieces lacking significant pitting or brassing.
• Functional integrity of the spring mechanism or slide tension.

How to Identify Masonic Tie Bar?

• Look for the specific 'FAIRBORN #764' inscription engraved or cast into the metal bar.
• Verify the presence of the iconic Square and Compasses Masonic symbol rendered in enamel.
• Check for the alligator-style clasp or slide mechanism typical of 1940s-1960s American tie jewelry.
• Examine the gold-tone finish for consistent wear patterns consistent with vintage base metals.

History of Masonic Tie Bar

Tie bars, also known as tie clasps or tie clips, emerged in the late 19th century as a functional and fashionable accessory to keep a necktie neatly in place. They gained significant popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting the era's emphasis on formal menswear. Masonic tie bars, like this one, signify membership in the Freemasonry, one of the world's oldest fraternal organizations, known for its emphasis on moral and spiritual values.