Bailey Banks & Biddle
The famous American jewelry firm from Philadelphia, Bailey, Banks and Biddle, first opened its doors as Bailey & Kitchen. Originally founded at 136 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, on September 20, 1832, by Joseph Trowbridge Bailey and Andrew B. Kitchen. The firm sold fashionable jewelry as well as silverware and precious objects. In 1846, Their partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, and Bailey invited his brother into the business. In 1878, Joseph’s son, Joseph Bailey II, forged a partnership with two other jewelers: George Banks of J.E. Caldwell and Samuel Biddle. The result was Bailey, Banks, & Biddle. The son of Joseph T. Bailey II, Charles Weaver Bailey, was the last kin to head the firm. After his father’s death, he became his father’s successor in 1918. Charles, served as a Major in World War I and died in 1922.
23126 - Circa 1949, Oscar Heyman Bailey, Banks & Biddle Pin Clips
Early success for this brand came from its commissions to design the first 40,000 Purple Hearts for the United States military. Manufacturing medals, ribbons and honor awards for the US government and military, including the Congressional Medal of Honor as well as class rings for West Point and Annapolis. The firm developed a reputation for offering high quality, well-designed jewelry. Bailey Banks & Biddle quickly became a recognized leader in jewelry manufacture and design, by maintaining its commitment to the integrity of fine jewelry using attention to detail as a guiding force.
73505 - Bailey, Banks & Biddle Art Deco Bracelet
The line of products from Bailey Banks & Biddle was all-encompassing. President Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump Jr. are among the many famous people who have been patrons of this firm. Some of the brand’s specialties included diamonds, engagement rings, brooches, scarf pins, bracelets, earrings, buttons, pearl fasteners and collar buttons. Quality and longevity were a certainty with every piece.
95267 - Bailey, Banks & Biddle Art Deco Engagement Ring
By the 20th century, it had expanded to more than 100 stores in 31 states. In 1962, it was purchased by Zale Corp., which continued the commitment to quality established by the Bailey family, by operating it as an upscale luxury division for 45 years. Designer George Meel, in the 1960’s crafted the Silver and Bronze Starts and prepared solid gold calling cards to the seven patriotic Mercury Astronauts. In that same year, the jewelry firm also sold the Astronauts the Original Omega Speedmaster.
60507 - Bailey, Banks & Biddle Opalescent Enamel Pendant Chatelaine Watch
In 2007, Finlay purchased the then-70 store chain for $200 million and merged Bailey Banks & Biddle into 17 subsidiaries and 35 jewelry stores in the southeastern United States. Sadly, Finlay owned B.B.&B. for a mere two years before liquidating it in 2009.
23280 - Enamel Bailey, Banks & Biddle Art Deco Clip Pin, 1 3/4
Sources:
American Jewelry: Glamour & Tradition
Proddow, Penny and Debra Healy. Published by Rizzoli, New York (1987) ISBN 10:0847808300
https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/bailey-banks-biddle-bankruptcy/
http://www.nationalclockrepair.com/Bailey_Banks_Biddle_Clock_History.php