Vintage Gold-Tone Mother of Pearl Collar Bar with Chain

This is a vintage men's sartorial accessory known as a collar bar or collar stay, designed to hold the points of a dress shirt collar together and lift the tie knot. The piece is constructed from a gold-toned metal, likely brass or gold-filled base, featuring a polished finish. Its primary design element is a square-shaped, rounded-corner decorative focal point inlaid with white mother of pearl. This inlay is bisected by a thin gold-tone diagonal bar, adding a geometric Art Deco or mid-century aesthetic. Two lengths of fine curb link chain connect the decorative element to the main functional bar. The main bar utilizes a tension-clip or slide-on mechanism, characterized by a loop-back wire construction that provides the necessary grip for fabric. The overall length of the horizontal bar is approximately 2 inches. In terms of condition, there is visible surface wear and minor tarnishing consistent with age, particularly along the edges of the metal and the chain links. The mother of pearl shows good iridescence with no apparent cracks, though there is some accumulated grime in the recessed areas where the stone meets the metal bezel. No manufacturer hallmarks are immediately visible in the image, suggesting a produced item from the mid-20th century (circa 1940s-1960s). The craftsmanship is characteristic of mass-market gentlemen's jewelry from that era, prioritizing functional elegance.