Charm History – Bates & Klinke, Inc.
The old Bates & Klinke Company produced some of my favorite collectible travel charms. Bates & Klinke, Inc. was founded in 1919 in Attleboro Massachusetts by Harold Bates & Oscar Klinke. Attleboro was a major center for jewelry production in the early 20th century. Bates & Klinke are noted for making souvenir silver charms from tourist travel destinations, along with souvenir spoons, brass souvenir plates, medals, keychains, & military insignia. Most of the travel charms were produced in the 1940s. Today the company does business as B&J Manufacturing Corporation. The older Bates & Klinke charms from travel destinations are in high demand with collectors today. There are 4 shapes that are the most sought after: an Art Deco triangular shape, a round disc, a scalloped disc, and a ship's wheel disc.
I am always on the lookout for these high quality vintage charms and I know of several collectors that have made theme bracelets entirely of BK travel charms representing U.S. states, tourist destinations, and national parks. I recommend to anyone that is interested in charm collecting to keep your eyes peeled for these as they are going up in value all the time. It's a great way to commemorate travel and fun to find these old treasures.
Category: All About Old Jewelry
About the Author (Author Profile)
Wanda Fitzgerald is a Florida native and an vintage charm collector who loves to share her adventures in an e-commerce jewelry business with anyone who is interested.Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Comments (15)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Sites That Link to this Post
- vintage charm bracelets | Digg hot tags | November 19, 2008
There are other types of Bates and Klinke charms – a deco style rectangular shape, and a shield shape. They also made figural charms. The rarest of all may be their enameled charms; I have only seen three. One of lemons, one of oranges, and a shield of a skier. I have six bracelets filled only with B&Ks!
Hi, I have some archerie charms by bates & klinke-attleboro. Do you have any info on these type of medals. They are of gold color and different shapes. Thank you.
I’m sorry I’m not familiar with these charms and don’t have any. I’m curious now though and am going to do some more research. If I locate any I’ll be in touch.
I have a copper charm, it is round and has The Alamo San Antonio Texas on it, I can not find any info on it, you have any ideas? Bates and Klinke INC.
If you send me a photo I’ll try to identify it. My email address is on the contact page in this blog.
Hi,
I found and old charm from Bates & Kinke of Lassen Volcanic Nat’l Park, California in my mom’s stuff. I cleaned it up. It cleans well with a silver cloth. Can you tell me what it is worth ? It measures 1″ in diameter. Thank you.
My name is Larry Cote, I am the Director of the Newport (New Hampshire) Historical Society Museum. We are thinking of producing a medal for an upcoming event. Can you send me a package with the data we will need to make a decision.
It would be about 39mm with a custom design with verbiage on the back. What metals do you work in? What is the cost to design and make the dies. What are the price points. What is your lead time from the time we send you the image?
Newport Historical Society
PO Box 413
Newport, N.H. 03773
603-863-1294
I’m so sorry I don’t manufacture anything. I just write about jewelry here.
I have a Bates & Klinke Coaster or small dish with the Statue of Liberty in brass underneath a glass insert for sale. Need something to keep your Bates & Klinke charms in? It’s in great condition. Email me please, if you are interested. I am asking $22.00 for it and will ship it for free.
Take care,
Kelly
I don’t need it but if any reader is interested let me know and I’ll pass along your email address. Good luck Kelly!
I have a st christopher ” be my guide ” medallion with
THOMAS A LAPINSKY
439-29-49
U.S.N. – B.C.
BATES & KLINKE
ATTLEBORE
ON THE BACK OF THIS MEDALLION.
I CAN NOT FIND ANY INFORMATION ON THIS ANYWHERE. IF YOU COULD GIVE ME SOME INSIGHT ON WHAT THIS MAY BE OR IF IT IS WORTH ANYTHING PLEASE SEND ME A E-MAIL.
THANK Y0U!
I’m not familiar with Bates & Klinke medallions, just charms. I would search on the internet for something similar, and maybe try worthpoint. They have a free trial period.
Hi, I have 5 of the round disc charms from a few of the national parks. There are not marked other then the Bates & Klinke name. Are they sterling or just plated? Do you know where I can find out what type of metal is used in them since they aren’t marked?
Thanks for you help.
I’m not sure about the silver content. The ones I have are all marked. There is a person that sells on eBay and her seller name is Clope14. She knows more about B&K than anyone else I am aware of. I’m sure she would answer your question if she can. Thanks for reading my blog