June 2009

I was lucky enough to be introduced to the jewelry designs of Frank J Gargano recently.  The patents are wonderfully whimsical and detailed and I am intrigued!   After a question came up on the ebay jewelry forum about the piece shown below, it was time to do some research and I wanted to capture what was shared on the forum about the markings and designer.   

Thanks to Leaner2 for these pics of a Frank Gargano design pin and the markings!   Please note that in comparing this carousel brooch with the patent, it appears that one of the horses is missing and Leaner2 confirms that it appears to have been broken off (just for info). 

The mark appears to say "Garman".  However it has been reported by others that it is actually "Carman" and that Gargano worked for Carman at some point.   The 2008 Brunialti books note that some of the pieces found based on his patents are marked "Carman", some are unsigned.   Another website mentions that Brunialti (perhaps in the earlier edition of the book), noted that another piece based on a Gargano design - a bear on a bicycle - was advertised in Women's Wear Daily July 19, 1946 as manufactured by or for Anita Eshay Fair Sex Jewels.    The website also notes that it believes that Gargano was a freelance designer.  Brunialti's current book says that there is little information about Gargano.