Knights of Columbus Sunburst Tie Bar

This is a vintage gold-toned metal tie bar featuring a distinctive engine-turned sunburst pattern radiating from a central emblem. The bar is rectangular with rounded corners and a polished finish. The central decorative element is a small, multi-colored cloisonné enamel shield representing the Knights of Columbus (K of C) fraternal organization. The emblem includes a white, red, and blue field with a crest design and the 'K of C' initials clearly visible at the top. Physically, the piece appears to be made of gold-plated brass or a similar alloy, approximately 2 inches in length. The sunburst texture is deeply engraved, catching light across its surface. In terms of condition, there is visible minor surface scratching and some light patina or oxidation consistent with age, particularly along the edges and the back of the clip mechanism. The enamel on the small shield remains mostly intact without significant chipping. Based on the style and the use of the sunburst motif, this item likely dates between the 1950s and 1970s. The craftsmanship is typical of mid-century mass-manufactured fraternal jewelry, showing clean lines and a functional spring-tension clip on the reverse side. No specific maker's mark is visible from the front view, but such items were commonly produced by companies like Swank or Hickok for various fraternal orders.

I have examined the digital representation of this Knights of Columbus sunburst tie bar. The item is a classic example of mid-century fraternal jewelry, likely dating to the 1950s or 1960s. The gold-toned metal exhibits minor surface wear and light oxidation, but the cloisonné enamel shield remains well-preserved, which is crucial for collectors of K of C memorabilia. The sunburst engine-turned design was a popular aesthetic for companies like Swank and Hickok during this era. Current market conditions for mass-produced fraternal accessories are stable but modest; these items are frequently found in estate collections and vintage markets. Rarity is low, as these were produced in high volumes for the organization's large membership. The primary value drivers are the condition of the enamel and the functionality of the spring clip. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to verify base metal composition or identify hidden maker's marks on the reverse of the clip. To confirm authenticity and refine the valuation, an in-person inspection is required to check for hallmarks (such as '1/10 10K GF') which would indicate gold-filling and potentially double the value. Furthermore, the absence of original packaging or provenance slightly limits its appeal to high-end specimen collectors.