Matawan Lodge Badge
Periodca. 1892
MediumSilk, celluloid, metal alloy, metallic thread
Dimensions8.25 × 2.75 in. (21 × 7 cm)
InscribedAt top of ribbon, both front and back, stamped in metallic silver: "SILK PIN, PATENT OCT. 18 - 1892"
Stamped into back of pin bar: "THE / WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO. / NEWARK, N.J."
Printed on paper tag in between the two ribbons: "MANUFACTURED BY / THE WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO., / RIBBON BADGE MAKERS / 167 MARKET STREET, / NEWARK, N.J. / WAVING FLAG PAT. JAN 14, 1892 / SILK PIN PAT. OCT. 18, 1892 / Other Patents Pending."
ClassificationsBadges, Buttons, Medals, & Ribbons
Credit LineGift of Albert A. Bieber, 1933
Object numberB-8
DescriptionThis badge is constructed of a silk ribbon in blue, yellow and red, affixed to a decorative pin bar and edged with metallic fringe. The silk in the pin bar is stamped in metallic gold with the scrolled letters "K P" and a oval design in the center bearing the Knights' emblem, inscribed "KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS." The body of the ribbon is stamped in metallic silver with the emblem comprised of a knight in armor, two crossed axes, and a shield bearing the letters "F C B." A wreath surrounds the entire design, and encloses the words "KNIGHTS OF / PYTHIAS." Also stamped in silver, "MATAWAN / LODGE, / NO. 142, / MATAWAN, N.J." The reverse of the body of the badge bears an identical design, only it is on a ground of solid black.Curatorial RemarksThis type of the badge is reversible, and the silver design is repeated on the back on a black background, so that this piece of memorabilia can be worn at funerals in addition to other official functions.NotesThe Knights of Pythias is a secret, fraternal organization founded in Washington, D.C. in 1864.
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