DUPRS_0079 - Park & Tilford "Art Deco" Brass Clip

DUPRS_0079 - Park & Tilford "Art Deco" Brass Clip

A decorative brass clip produced by Park & Tilford ("luxury grocers")

The brass clip is oxidized and mildly rusted. However, the decoration and the maker’s mark is still visible on both sides. The maker’s mark inscription reads: “PARK & TILFORD.” The artifact is intact, with one of its hinges still connected.

Park & Tilford, 35 Carmine St., Manhattan, NY

Selective Surface Collection, West Stanley Park, Historic Chatham Township ( modern Summit, New Jersey)

Drew University, Department of Anthropology, Drew University Passaic River Survey

Estimated date range: 1840 - 1910?

Madelyn Bugdonovitch

The materials in this collection are made available for use for educational purposes only for research, teaching, and private study. Texts and images from this collection may not be used for any commercial purpose without prior permission from the Department of Anthropology, Drew University.

https://www.waltergrutchfield.net/park&tilford.htm

https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-4152-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

http://daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-park-tilford-bldg-100-west-72nd.html

https://onbeyondholcombe.wordpress.com/2014/06/08/park-tilford/

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-park-tilford-advertising-1883840867

https://www.kensingtoncat.com/listing/714521059/circa-1900-park-and-tilford-new-york

https://www.theartstory.org/movement/art-deco/

English

Brass / Metal

Park & Tilford was founded in the 1840s in New York, New York, USA. The company was considered a “first class grocery store.” They carried and produced an extremely wide array of luxury goods. They sold home goods, personal care products, makeup, high-end perfumes, wines, whiskeys, cigars, and gourmet foods. Throughout the years, Park & Tilford acquired and owned many buildings/storefronts across New York City. The business survived through the great depression, shifting their product focus to perfume and candies. In 1933, Park & Tilford would import and regain product focus toward wines and whiskeys. In 1954, Park & Tilford was sold to Schenley Industries, Inc. and would officially merge with them in 1958. At this time, the Park & Tilford name/ brand was lost.

Park & Tilford has a very long history, with many expansions, product changes, and ultimately absorption by another corporation. However, due to the nature of the artifact, it is most likely from the earlier periods of the Park & Tilford company.
This artifact was used as a grocery clip. However, it appears, not only was it intended to hold grocery bags closed, but it was also used as a promotional tool. Although some may have considered this clip disposable, often, it was reused as a hair clip or paper clip. This reuse kept the name Park & Tilford in the public’s eye.
Perhaps, because of the “first-class” reputation of Park & Tilford, members of the upper class would reuse these clips in their hair and in their offices/workplaces to display their wealth and status.