Vintage Thomas L Mott TLM Charms and Jewelry

A while back I posted some photos of my TLM charm collection.  Since that time I've acquired a few more so I'm updating the pictures.  These are all TLM, mostly enamels, and the bracelet that the British Isle charms are on is also marked TLM.  I believe the filigree bracelets are original to the Thomas L Mott Caribbean island bracelets that were sold as souvenirs.  They are not marked TLM but I've consistently seen them with vintage TLM bracelets I've found in tact.

In my quest I've found that that the Thomas L Mott company is also known for other jewelry pieces.  They are famous for their Butterfly Wing Jewelry, you can find out some of the history on The Jewelry Ring website I have posted under my references pages.  However some of Mott's less known jewelry lines are Sweetheart Badges, which are small pins and jewelry ornaments produced during WWI and WWII with British Military emblems.  They were purchased by soldiers and sent back to their sweethearts at home.   Now these are considered vintage military collectibles.

I've found most information on the Thomas L Mott company to be sketchy.  My research has revealed the company was founded in 1875 and popularized butterfly wing jewelry when they exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition of 1924.   TLM acquired the Henry W. King Co. in 1925 and Owen Brothers Co. in 1933 and became the largest producer of butterfly wing  jewelry of the era.  Then at some point the Thomas L Mott Company was purchased by Shiptons LTD of London which is still in business today.  As I continue to learn I'll inform my readers.  Please leave comments if you know more about this fascinating old jewelry firm.

Filed Under: Private Jewelry Collection

Tags: Butterfly Wings • Sweetheart Pins • Thomas L Mott • TLM