In Search of Old Advertising, Souvenir, Commemorative Hatpins & Stickpins

Many types of hatpins and stickpins were made, but I think the most interesting were the ones that depicted Products, Places and Events. These types were given away by Advertisers, Establishments, bought as Souvenirs, and given away as Commemoratives.

Thousands were made by the Advertisers to be given away to customers that used their products in the late 1800's into the early 1900's. These Companies also made tiny hand mirrors for handbags, paper fans, trade cards, tokens, watch fobs, colored pin-back buttons and other items to promote their products. Many hatpins and stickpins had continued advertising written on the back if there wasn't enough room on the front or top. Hatpin lengths varied from 12" long down to approximately 5". Stickpins were usually 2" to 3" long and were worn by both men and women.

I will be posting more as I find and add them to my collection, but they aren't as plentiful as some of the other types, so the search is a real challenge.

A Group of Advertising, Souvenir & Commemorative Hatpins displayed in a handpainted Hatpin Holder

Individual hatpins are pictured and described below. Click on any picture to view the larger version for more detail.

Touch Wud

Strange brass hatpin with a woman's body, a round wooden head, and yellow rhinestone eyes. Marked "Touch Wud" on the back. 7" pin.

Advertising for Aristo Chocolates

Celluloid top with roses. Marked on back "Aristo Chocolates Always Good". 10" pin.