Pin Identification Needed

This is a pin our family has. We think it is from one of our relatives born about 1891 in Seattle, Washington but we are not entirely sure. We cannot seem to find anything like it. It has a pin back like it's intended to pin on clothing. Does anyone have any idea what it is? Or what period it belongs to?

Tags: Mystery, Pin

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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on February 26, 2012 at 3:23pm

Interesting and I am answering solely as someone that loves genealogy and not as a dealer.

Try tracking the person by name on a search engine with this address. Sometimes names can be found with information about the person.

I love to find postcards from a long time ago and for fun see what I can find on the internet.

Does this say Baby Blue or Ruby Blue? Does appear Victorian. If you show the back perhaps the date can be narrowed down by the jewelry folks here.

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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on February 26, 2012 at 5:18pm

I was thinking possibly a luggage item also. With address in case it got lost?

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Permalink Reply by Rich Edwards on February 26, 2012 at 5:33pm

The pin is Here is the pin with a ruler for size. I am the family genealogist.

It says "Baby Blue".

The cousin who has the pin did not send me a photo of the back but says "a swivel stick pin with a clasp (which is partially broken off). Also a little loop in the upper middle of the pin like it could be worn as a necklace."

The address does not match any known family address in Seattle at the time our family was there.

If it was for luggage it seems odd to use the name "Baby Blue" instead of the luggage owner.

I'm wondering if maybe it wasn't to attach to a toddler in case they wandered away from home. Then the family name and address would be the best method to return them. But I've never heard of that.

Does this pin look like any other "baby" pins of the period?

Thanks for all your comments!

Rich

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Permalink Reply by ElsiesAttic ~ CEO on February 26, 2012 at 6:30pm

I think the idea of it being some form of ID back in the day is pretty solid. I found this and if you scroll down a little you will see other baby pins but none with addresses.

VICTORIAN "Baby" pin in gold tone with blue enamel, 1-3/4". #V29872

VICTORIAN baby pin with green enamel, marked "silver" on the back, 1-1/8". #V29479

VICTORIAN 9ct gold tiny pin with raised letters "BABY" and beaded edge, 1-1/8". #V28778

VICTORIAN gold filled engraved "baby" pin, 1-1/4". #V23865

VICTORIAN baby pin marked "silver", etched and pierced, circa 1890, 1-1/2" 12. #V32407

VICTORIAN gold tone "baby" pin, marked "T.S.C." on the back, 1". #V32201

VICTORIAN sterling "Baby" pin, hallmarked Birmingham 1888, maker &J, 1-1/2" by 1/3". #V31971

"Baby" pin, engraved and enameled, from

VICTORIAN baby pin gold tone with black enamel, 1-1/8". #V32196

http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/collectVictChilds.html

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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on February 26, 2012 at 7:43pm

I wonder if it means Baby Boy. I think after seeing these it probably is a baby pin.

I love, love genealogy.

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Permalink Reply by Rich Edwards on February 26, 2012 at 9:08pm

We think it was for a family with the last name Blue who had 5 children. But the addresses we have for them in Seattle are not near Poplar Street. It just seems so odd that I cannot find any other examples. Seems unlikely to have been specially made just once. The "This Is." And the address seem to have been done separately from the name which was then engraved which makes me feel they were produced in number then engraved for the name. But if they were once common you'd think there'd be more examples. Still a mystery.

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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on February 26, 2012 at 9:54pm

Just an out there thought but there was an orphanage around that time in Seattle.

Something may pop up in the coming days. I am curious myself now.

Have you tried the historical society of Seattle perhaps?

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Permalink Reply by Rich Edwards on February 27, 2012 at 12:07am

The Blue children were not orphaned. Great idea about contacting the historical society! I have written to MOHAI there and sent them the photo.

I begin to think now it may be some sort of trolley or school bus token affixed to the child to help get them to their stop but it seems odd to have it say "baby" if it was for a toddler or older child.

Whatever I find out I'll be sure and share here. You've all been wonderfully helpful with ideas to pursue.

Thanks!

Rich

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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on February 27, 2012 at 8:26am

And the address seem to have been done separately from the name which was then engraved which makes me feel they were produced in number then engraved for the name.

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My comment was more in the way of possibly a need in the area to keep track of the children in the area. From your mass production comment.

Please keep us posted. I love vintage mysteries.