1890 H.B.C. badge

[Umbrahabitator]

Hello,

I found this tiny badge, it is roughly the size of a quarter. Any help identifying it would be appreciated.

The top middle says "4th"
The middle says "1880" or "1890"
The bottom says "H.B.C"

There might be something else underneath the "4th"
I notice stars near the top and it descends to what I assume are artistic representations of feathers.

Thank you for looking, have a good day.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Agony and Death on a Gold Rush Steamer: The Disastrous Sinking of the Side-Wheeler Yankee Blade - Grab it through Amazon!

[Retired Sarge]

I'm at a lost what the HBC is. Tried looking for the 4th HBC with no luck so far. Wonder if it's a reunion badge of sorts.

 

[jeff of pa]

Hudson Bay Corporation

However looks like H.B.G. to me

 

[Retired Sarge]

Hudson Bay Corporation

However looks like H.B.G. to me

I had the exact same thoughts.....

 

[jeff of pa]

Sorry Hudson Bay Company not Corporation

Still I see the Line in the G

 

[smokeythecat]

Jeff is right, Hudson Bay Company. They have a long history and still have stores in Canada open! I shopped at one! Try a google search.

 

[jeff of pa]

looks like a girl in the center from the neck down.

 

[Retired Sarge]

Jeff is right, Hudson Bay Company. They have a long history and still have stores in Canada open! I shopped at one! Try a google search.

Not being argumentative mind you, but would they have a US flag if they are Canadian base.....?

 

[Retired Sarge]

HBG keeps bringing me to Harrisburg PA. Could it be a 4th of July souvenir from Harrisburg, PA in 1880 or 1890?

 

[smokeythecat]

I think I see the word "July" under "4th". The J and Y are higher than u and l.

J---Y
UL

 

[jeff of pa]

Could it be HBG for Harrisburg ? 4th of July 1890 or 1880

I see Illinois has a Harrisburg also & I Don't really see Periods Between the Letters

 

[Retired Sarge]

I think I see the word "July" under "4th". The J and Y are higher than u and l.

J---Y
UL

You're eyes are better than mine....I can't tell what I see there...

 

[jeff of pa]

& Looks like Stars & Stripes in the Middle , Stars Upper Right

Not sure if the Girl I see is Pareidolia

sorry i took a little artistic* liberty on the flag

 

[smokeythecat]

Does the "girl" have a moose head on it?

 

[Retired Sarge]

Could it be HBG for Harrisburg ? 4th of July 1890 or 1880

I see Illinois has a Harrisburg also & I Don't really see Periods Between the Letters

Duh, seeing the OP is in Illinois, Harrisburg IL, makes more sense than Harrisburg PA.

 

[jeff of pa]

Does the "girl" have a moose head on it?

Ya Know I thought that Too

Can't totally rule it out there is a "Loyal Order of Moose"

That or a big Round one depending on how you Look at it

 

[smokeythecat]

Or an Elk. Now the "Bull Moose" party was established past 1880...so not that.

 

[Umbrahabitator]

Wow, you people work fast. I managed to take a slightly better picture and am certain that what I believed to be wings are two American flags as jeff of pa pointed out. I also managed to get a magnifying glass on it and am certain that it is "H.B.G." Finally, yes, I do believe that the lettering is "JULY." I believe that the space between the flags is just there because the flags are ruffled and waving.

Below is an amendment of the original description:
Top: "4th July"
Middle "1880"
Bottom: "H.B.G."
American Flags, definitely not a bird


Thank you for the help, I will definitely use this info in trying to find the history of it now.

 

[jeff of pa]

I'm Thinking 4th of july parade award

and 1890

Notice the Difference in the 8 to the Left * the 9 to the Right when placed side by side
but I'm not 100% confident on that