Anyone got a clue?

Lori Ammons

Lori Ammons

Registered Guest
This pin set is vintage, at least I've owned it long enough to call it vintage. I picked it up in a thrift store in the mid 90s. I do not believe it is sterling but the magnet is not attracted to it. It is a heavier metal. The subject matter is interesting as is the fact that it is a set. It does appear to be molded based on metal lines along the sides. I love it but I don't know anything about it. Anyone have any ideas. I don't see any signature on it. I refer to it as my Scarecrow and Mrs. King set..after the old 80's TV show...now you know I'm vintage too!
 

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My quick guess re: metal would be pewter, based on heaviness, not attracted to magnet, and look. But let's see what one of our jewelry mavens think.
 
Linn said:
I think it's a period copy or "knock-off" in a base metal of a Trifari set from the 1940s. I believe it is "Nenette & Rintintin" from 1943 originally done in sterling with a gold wash (Vermeil) with red or green cabochon faces. If you Google it you will find other versions.

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Thank you so much! I've been wondering about this set of pins for 20+ years...and now I have a story to tell when people ask me about them. I really appreciate the info!
 
Seeing this made me think the name Rintintin must pre-date the famous German Shepherd dog who became a Hollywood star after WW1.
I found this article from the National Museum of American History that tells the story. They were tiny good luck yarn dolls, that became the rage in France during World War 1. They were always to be given, not purchased, and the yarn link between the two ought never be broken.

Edited to add: and it turns out that the canine Rin Tin Tin had a sister who was named Nanette!
 
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That’s interesting! I grew up in Eastern Europe with a tradition called Martenitsa. They were made of red and white yarn and we exchanged this girl/ boy martenitsas and in more modern days anything made of red and white yarn. You were supposed to pin them on your clothes and wear them until you saw a stork and then tie them to a budding tree. It has something to do with good health or something. I am terrible with traditions. Anyway they were called Pijo and Penda and they so reminded me of Nanette and Rin Tin Tin
 
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