Please see my new book "A Dandy Guide to Dating Vintage Menswear" available December, 2011 for more information on ties and other clothing.  Google for more book info.

Standard width ties from 3 - 4" in width have been available in every decade regardless of popular widths. 

1. 1930s - ties were a/ 44" long
2. 1940s - ties were a/ 47" long
3. 1950s - ties were a/ 51" long
4. Late 1950s, thru the 60s - 53-54" long
   
5. 1970s - ties were a/ 55" long
6. 1990s - ties were a/ 58" long