Trifari's Famous Rag Doll Pair of Brooches, "Pom Pom & Tom Tom", by Alfred Philippe

Trifari's Famous Rag Doll Brooches, "Pom Pom & Tom Tom", by Alfred Philippe

on Hold

NWS 4-1591

~ They are so adorable, and so beautifully made. His name is "Tom Tom", and her's is "Pom Pom". The brooches are a matching pair, and are also exactly the same size, 1.75" high and 1.25" wide.

~ His arms, legs, head and body are all made of carved emerald glass. His hands and feet are depicted in thickly plated rhodium metal with a single rhinestone set into each.

~ In France, during World War I, children would make these little rag dolls as mementos and tokens of love for their soldiers in the French Infantry going off to war. The custom was revived in World War II.

~ The original dolls were made from threads of wool and silk, and you can see these "threads" in the charming design. Their arms are wide open, is if to embrace their loved ones and let the soldiers know their hearts and prayers are with them. Trifari's famous designer, Alfred Philippe, himself a Frenchman, came up with the idea of making jewelry in honor of this French symbol of love and gratitude.

~ Tom Tom's vest, sash and hat are depicted with pavé-set, clear crystals in the same rhodium plated metal.

~ Pom Pom's arms, head and flared skirt are all made of faux emerald, carved glass.

~ Her rag doll shoes, her hands and cuffs, her bodice and the bow in her hair are all depicted with pavé-set, clear crystals in thickly plated rhodium metal

~ Pom Pom design patent # 153551, filed on February 18, 1949. Tom Tom patent # 153552 (shown above), was filed at the same time.

~ In excellent condition, and very famous! The advertisement at right was published in Vogue Magazine, 1949.

Research: These fabulous brooches are featured in several jewelry books: American Costume Jewelry, by Brunialti and Brunialti, p. 119-20; Collectible Costume Jewelry, by Cheri Simonds p. 142; The Best of Costume Jewelry, by Nancy Schiffer, p. 109.

Price = $425.00on Hold b2, q-z 2

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