Unknown Pin

s.c.shooter

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Jul 28, 2008
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Wow! Fancy!
 

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Wear it proudly, you are an official member. Of what.


I don't have a clue!


Old and unique for sure. Is it possible it is old enough to be from the Loyal Order of Water Buffalo?
 

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the top part looks to have writing and maybe even a date, but the celluloid window has darkened from age and the elements. can you get a better picture of the top of it?
 

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Jeweler guy I'll try but it's so faded that its illegible. The back says M.C.Lilley Co. Columbus O.
 

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A goggle search revealed that this company made various items for a number of fraternal organizations.
 

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it could be a lodge pin or workers union convention pin. hope you can get some info through the darkened celluloid somehow. it should date somewhere between about 1895 to around 1915
 

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oops, Scuba's post wasn't up when I was typing that last post so evidently I'm a little off on the date range
 

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Thanks for the info. gang! Budman I think that's it. Guess I need to go back and look for the missing piece.
 

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A couple more show in the search below, one with a ribbon attached as well. They seem to be from the Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.). antique fraternal ladder badge ribbon member - Google Search

Edit: More examples were found in the below search once the fraternal group was determined: http://www.google.com/search?q=rebe...mrHLAhXim4MKHbiSA1QQ_AUICCgB&biw=1024&bih=672

...but I wouldn't be entirely surprised if an example could be found that is from a different fraternal group, as Im not sure if the groups designed these or if they simply chose them from what Lilley had available.
 

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oops, Scuba's post wasn't up when I was typing that last post so evidently I'm a little off on the date range
No, actually there is a small detail making a difference, the M.C. Lilley Co. was founded much earlier, and name changed to that in 1882 (after Lilley's death), but the use of the word "The" before it didn't get used until 1923, so if the item lacks that then it will date earlier.
 

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No, actually there is a small detail making a difference, the M.C. Lilley Co. was founded much earlier, and name changed to that in 1882 (after Lilley's death), but the use of the word "The" before it didn't get used until 1923, so if the item lacks that then it will date earlier.

Very nice followup and observation. But it is still after Fred Flintstone!! Thank you. Sometimes it takes more than one mind. I couldn't find it till I was told the writing on the back. Jeweleryguy found it and thought he was wrong, Nhbenz found more examples and a closer date.

I enjoy this kind of mystery and everyone helping solve it.
 

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