Dear Secondhandsavvy,

I am helping to clean out my dad's closet and he has a bunch of old ties that look like they are vintage from the 40s and 50s. Can you tell me what ties from that era are worth and if they are considered as collectibles?
Lisa, New Westminster

Dear Lisa,
Today's topic is outta 'da hat with "YOUR DAD'S VINTAGE TIES." I thought about your question and I came up satin, I mean smiling. I couldn't give you an accurate explanation on dad's ties without seeing them up close and personal so if you could send them C.O.D. to the P.O. box at the bottom of the page......... just joking, here is some of what I know.

As a general rule with all vintage items, in relation to their value, they must be graded. Obvious big hints are words like mint, superb, excellent, pristine, and super fantastic. O.K. so the ties are of super fantastic status, what's next? Most 1940's ties seem to all fall within the same size; whereas other years (1950's, 1960's and 1970's) can be all over the place. Most 40's babes are between 4" and up to 5", mid-fifties got way down to sometimes smaller than 2" and 60's basically stayed "skinny" or "rockabilly" until the god-awful polyester- loud, proud and measured next to the shroud showed up.

Famous 40's were satin prints, hand-painted silk or satin, nylon/gabardine and even acetate. The colours and designs were very indicative of the times with abstract, nature, naked anything, Atomic, Dali and the kitchen sink. Impressive still were those pale palettes in burgundy, brown's, ochre's and oranges, pale yellow and of course those beautiful hues in green and blue. A particular detail were the JACQUARD'S.

Jacquard is the sublime design on the fabric itself that kind of fell by the wayside with the 50's stitching details. Try to remember the times; even music was a key, 1940's swing to 1950's rockabilly. Don't forget to turn them over; some of the best surprises were in the "behind" so to speak. Some common names are/were: Monteray, Arrow, Manhattan, Regal, Fashion Craft, Fifth Ave., Superba, Wembley, and Towncraft Deluxe.

The "behind" I mentioned is in reference to Peek-a-Boo ties; which often had pin-ups, naked girlie pictures and my latest greatest find, the Japanese version Joy of Sex images that made me swallow before the knot was tied. So look out (and up and around) 'cause you never know just what you may find and depending on the buyer some of these beauties bully quite a bounty, sometimes even a thousand clams, but like I mentioned earlier, I'd have to see them first just to be sure. Thanks, Suzanne at Pin-Up Vintage. P.S. if you don't believe me just go ask your dad!!!

If you are looking to learn more about ties or other vintage clothing finds, you can reach Suzanne at:

Pin Up Vintage Sales
4406 Main Street (@28th)
Vancouver, British Columbia
(604) 738-8632

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