Posted 11 years ago
l1k2gadd
(1 item)
Although I only worked there for around 3.5 years, being a Pre-Divestiture Bell System employee I can never pass up the purchase of an item that I believe could be from a period in time that pre-dates the break-up of AT&T and the Bell Operating Companies. I found this for sale on 11/17/2013 at a local flea market. The asking price that I hapily paid for this was 2.5 times the coin shown in the photo next to the pin. Yes, it is a 14K pin too. The backing has no precious metals markings on it so I doubt it is 14K too, but the pin itself weighs near 2 grams according to my digital scale. I am not sure if the stones are real diamonds because I do not own a diamond tester.
So, can anybody tell me if this is a 30 year pin, or some other award given to an employee for something else?
I once knew someone who got the watch for 30+ years with Southern Bell or South Bell of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
I wouldn't be surprised if those a real diamonds, companies used to really make their employees feel appreciated back in the day for their hard work & service. Great piece!
It's a Bell System 30 year service pin. At one time diamonds were used only after you had 25 years of service. The most I have seen is eight diamonds.
Thanks to ttomtucker and to tom61375 for the information on the pin. I guess 8 diamonds would be a 40 year pin. 40 years would be a long time to work at one company. I enjoy finding treasures at thrift stores and flea markets, this is the most recent flea market treasure that I have been blessed with adding to my collection. Last week the find of the weekend was a Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Spirit of '76 locomotive belt buckle.
They would award one diamond for every 5 years.
Its been a while since this was posted, curious if you still have this item. I have a friend that is a soon to be retiree and is in search for one of these pins to make a ring with. I have one as a ring and makes a nice piece. Any info is appriacated.
My mother's 20-year pin has four diamonds, so a diamond representing five years sounds right. It's clearly marked 14 kt. It has never been worn and is in the original box if anyone is interested.
This is a retirement pin, not a service pin. At time of retirement from Southern Bell you could pick this pin and a gift, or a very nice gold ring with the same pin. Each diamond represent at least 5 years of service prior to retirement, so the employee that got this pin had 30 years or more, but less than 35 years of service.
I have my grandfathers pin and turned it into a pendant. He was with Bellsouth for 45 years. It is 14kt and has 9 real diamonds. If I can figure out how to add a photo, I will.
I have an 8 diamond bell system gold ring from my Aunt who worked for Bell South probably
In the late 1940’s she retired in the 70’s,I believe.
I have no idea what it is worth.