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Clip, Tie

Object number2015.42.14

Manufacturer Swank

MediumMetal

Credit LineGift of Susan Muir

DescriptionGold-tone metal tie clip. Horizontal clip with chain attached to both ends. Chain attaches to square metal framework with three-dimensional initials at center.Dimensions2.375 x 2.125 in., 0.188 in. (6 x 5.4 cm, 0.5 cm)
InscriptionsThree-dimensional letters attached to end of chains "MT", Martin Torisky's initials.
MarksMaker's mark and patent information inscribed on back of clip "SWANK / NO. 1865995 / OTHER PAT PEND"; the patent number is difficult to read with some of the numbers only partially legible.
Historical NotesPart of a collection of WWII-related artifacts from the military service of Gabe Torisky of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who served with the 99th “Checkerboard” Infantry Division during the Ardennes campaign in Belgium. Martin Gabriel "Gabe" Torisky was of Slovak ancestry and was born on November 11, 1911, in Uniontown, PA. He moved to Pittsburgh in the 1920s and was drafted and sent to 99th Division during World War II. The 99th Division is especially important in relation to Pittsburgh, as the Division was originally headquartered in the city in 1942, and the unit insignia, a black shield with a checkerboard band of nine alternating white and blue squares (for “99”) was derived from the coat of arms for William Pitt and thus, also the city seal of Pittsburgh, on which the checkerboard also appears. Donor Susan Muir is Gabe Torisky's daughter.

Previous owner Martin Gabriel Torisky (born 1911)

Related institution 99th Infantry Division

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