A tubogas chain! A.... what?!
Tubogas (“gas pipe” in Italian) is the name for a style of chain that is formed from two interlocking metal strips that are twisted and wrapped tightly together. This forms a flexible and hollow tubular chain that requires no soldering. The tubogas was popular during the late 1930s and 1940s, when the scarcity of materials due to World War II was cause for this ingenious invention.
This piece was made by the Binder Bros., an American brand that was established in New York in 1922 by two German brothers named Elmer and Lawrence Binder. They were in business from the 20s through at least 1950, so this piece is right in line with the 1930s -40s timeline. There are many brands today (some very well known, high end designer brands) that are still making tubogas chains, some are very famous for this style and when made in gold they can be incredibly expensive!
This tubogas chain is made in 10K gold fill, which means that at minimum 1/20 of the weight of the piece is 10K gold. And it's white gold fill, which is unusual! This collar is very cool as well as being collectable, since vintage tubogas pieces are highly sought after. Am I a fool to give it up? Probably. To quote a long time Italian antique dealer: "Buy. Sell. Regret."
Vintage gold fill tubogas collar by Binder Bros.
16 inches long, approximately ⅜ inch wide
*this piece fits a little shorter than 16 inches due to the width of the chain
Stamped BB and 1/10 10K
Very good vintage condition, a few small spots of wear at the clasp, not noticeable while wearing
29 grams
