Offered is Connie Mack's 1944 50th Anniversary Gold and Diamond Tie Bar. On August 4, 1944, the Philadelphia Athletics celebrated Connie Mack's 50th anniversary as Manager with an elaborate pre-game on-field ceremony that included the presentation of the offered tie bar to Mack, among many other gifts. Abbott and Costello performed and Mack named his All-Time, All-Star Team, including Mickey Cochrane, Bill Dickey, Lefty Grove, Walter Johnson, George Sisler, Eddie Collins, Frank Baker, Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker.
Other examples of these gold tie bars have surfaced--they were given to various players and other luminaries on the day of the celebration--but those versions have "1894-1944" (Mack's tenure as Manager) in the center of the baseball. It follows that this version with the diamond in that spot would have been for Mack. This is a wonderful artifact from one of the most important figures in the history of baseball.
The tie bar was originally sold in 1988 at Christies in New York and is being sold from the estate of the winner. Copies of the original Christies catalog pages are included. The tie bar measures 2 3/4 inches long and presents with only minor wear. Near Mint condition.