I find interest in unique T-bars as well as unique swivels on pocket watch chains!

If you fancy this kind of stuff, you may find a little enjoyment in viewing the following unique T bars on various watch chains in my collection!

I'll start with a silver swivel T bar posted in Civil War Era chains thread I started. Quite unique!

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

Here's a T-bar that's a bit different! The etching on the T bar is quite lovely. I could not quite capture the beauty.

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

This particular T-bar is unusual. The T-bar is attached to a tri-gold/enamel watch chain. Take a look!

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

And last, not a T-bar per se, but serves the same purpose. It's marked, Kreisler USA Quality. The watch chain screams deco!

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

I'll add pics of unique T-bars I acquire along the way to this thread. Don't see them very often though!

Do you have any unusual, unique T-bars you would like to share with us? I would love to see them!

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

And yet another unique as well as very old T-bar substitute in my collection!

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

Stephanie,
That second one sure looks fancy! I have several watch chains but most of the T-bars are plain. This is the most unusual one I have. Looks similar to your third pic. This is on a "Simmons" chain.



Kenny

T Bar and chain. Overall length is 13.5" from t-bar to hook on end.

Phil Dellinger

T-bar

Phil Dellinger

Kenny,
I purchased the fancy T-bar(2nd pic)excluding chain, at an antique shop. I thought it was a neat find!
Thanks for posting a pic of your Simmons T-bar.

Phil,
What a beautiful watch chain and unique T bar! I particularly love the multi-color locket. Thanks for showing.

Anyone else care to show unique T-bars?

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

Stephanie,

The device in your image above (posted at 18:23) is a clasp style commonly known as "sister hooks."

The large hook (posted at 22:37) is known as a "shepherd's hook," and those were a lot more popular in England than they were in America.

The chain that's attached to the really nice T-bar in the second image (posted at 18:16) is complete without the T-bar. Chains of that type were used with vests, and extended through a button hole in the vest from one pocket to the other. Obviously, the watch was attached to the end with the swivel, and a variety of other things could be attached to the end with the spring ring. Gentlemans' pocket knives were a common "anchor," as were combs, lockets, and virtually anything else someone wanted to use.

======================

Steve Maddox
Past President, NAWCC Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas
IHC Charter Member 49

Hi Steve,

I've not heard of "sister hooks" until now but knew of "shepherd's hooks". Thanks for the added info!

Tidbit - Pocket watch chains extended from both sides of vest pockets are known as Prince Albert chains.

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

Jerry Freedman (185 #137) once mentioned having a chain with a t-bar curved like a pair of horns.

Stu

Here's a unique one, a two-toned T-bar! Seldom seen!

Take a look!!!

Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

This is not a t bar but a adjustable key for pocket watches.I have one just like it.It sold last saturday night on ebay for 56 bucks.
All of the above T bars are pretty neat, i have a few but not as fancy as these are, not as old either.

Kevin "Veritas" West
IHC Member 261
Chapter 111,Ottawa
NAWCC Member 158976,
Nepean, Canada

Stu,
I think I know what you are talking about as I've seen them now and again. I call those kind of T bars mustache T bars. I'll be on a search for one!

Kevin,
Thanks Kevin!
Looks like key may serve two purposes, one as a T bar, other of course to wind a watch! Neat key Kevin. $56.? Wow!



Stephanie O'Neil
Pocket Watch Moderator
NAWCC Member 143979

Here's one in my collection you may find unusual for the thickness as well as the design of etching! Take a look!

And yet another very unusual T bar in my collection. Here's a look!

Another unusual T bar in my collection!

Well guys and girls, I have finally found the most unique T bar of my collection. That is as of now!

Take a look!

What makes this particular T bar so unique?

Take a look!!

Yes, a hidden pencil housed inside!

Phil,
I noticed you have a smooth/wavy T bar. Pull out the wavy side from the smooth. Chances are you too have a hidden pencil! Let us know.

At the time I purchased the chain, I was unaware of hidden pencil. It wasn't until I saw one on the internet that I discovered this!
And you know I was delighted!!

Stephanie,
Thanks for the information on the smooth/wavy T-bar. The wavy side on mine does turn but I cannot get it to separate it from the main body. Rather than risk breaking it, I won't pull or pry any harder than I already have. The stationary side of my T-bar says "PAT. APR 7 1885". I suppose that feature could be the reason for the patent.

Just when I thought I have seen the most unique T-bar, yet comes along another added to my collection!

Lookie!

Yea, another unique T bar in my collection!

Feel free to add your unique T bar/s as well!

Nice thread! Although not a "watch person" myself, enjoyed it very much.

Greg

Here is another t-bar.

Greg R.,
Glad you are enjoying the thread!

Jerry F.,
Interesting T bar! Thanks for your participation!!

Others?

Unique T bars are kind of like the Energizer Bunny - they keep going and going and going(adding more unique ones to my collection).

Love those unusual T bars! Here are a few more I've recently added to my collection and thought you may enjoy viewing.

FYI - Back drop is a postcard in my collection from the 1960's - Reverse reads: A New Orleans Show Place at Christmas Time is the beautifully decorated Lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel. Thousands of visitors as well as Orleanians are attracted to this Christmas Wonderland annually.

Some years back, the Roosevelt was renamed to the Fairmont. The decorated lobby is brought back each year to its original decorations from the 60's. My family and I enjoy this tradition annually and dine there as well each Christmas!

I was lucky enough to find yet another pencil/T bar attached to a chain I recently purchased. Take a look.

A view of T bar and pencil detached.

...nice collection Stephanie!!!have noticed that many T-bars have a different link in the top half of the fob chain...usually a rather plain link compared to the bottom half...is that because the top half runs behind the vest from buttonhole to buttonhole?...pinched this pic from Ebay to illustrate my question...