Grayco End-lock Tie 1930s Expensive but Functional

[Baron Kurtz]

Usually when I find these, the end-lock mechanism is broken (it really was a bit of a crap idea, and didn't work very well, and then it broke). This one seems fully functional, though expensive:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OUTSTANDING-original-vintage-1930s-GRAYCO-END-LOCK-PLAID-NECK-TIE-/360465895505?pt=UK_Men_s_Vintage_Clothing&hash=item53ed711051

 

[herringbonekid]

erm, what happens to the narrow end of the tie ? is there a bit for it to go through before you clip it to your shirt ?

 

[Nick D]

The diagonal line just above the clip is the top of the pocket

 

[herringbonekid]

thanks Nick, that's what i imagined was going on.
when ties got longer (post 50s) many men would pass the thin end through the loop on the back and tuck it into their trousers to secure it. some Italians thought this was too uptight, so took to letting the thin end flap about to show of their sprezzatura credentials. the thin end was often longer because the wide end took precedence when it came to height-to-trouser-waist. this has lead to a trend among the bespoke crowd for longer thin ends.

a little:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3zy9q8gm31qad1efo1_1280.jpg

or a lot:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3zxzbaxxW1qad1efo3_1280.jpg

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Yes, this was one of the many methods to control the thin end that came around before they realised that rear loop would do the job. Incidentally, I have seen some very old (1920s) ties with the rear loop, but not very many.

bk