The more I buy and sell, the more I'm drawn to things I've not seen the likes of before, and which might require a special sort of collector to appreciate...but how could I not bring this extraordinary antique badge home with me? Quite a wonderfully elaborate, finely crafted creation, making "2nd Assistant Lady Chief" feel like the world's highest honor. Hand-engraved silver title banner, American eagle with shield above it, red white and blue silk ribbon star with silver sequins on the five points and again around the second star at its center. With intricate metallic threadwork everywhere, and silver and gold tassels with white silk ribbons hanging down. On reverse is the original paper label of its maker: T Beyring, maker of "Fancy Chief Badges and Rosetts, 76 Bremen Street (Boston, I think); I've searched for information about Beyring, and other examples, but found nothing.
I believe this was most likely a Daughters of Rebecca ceremonial badge, with "Lady Chief" or "Noble Grand" referring to the leader or chief officer of a Rebekah Lodge. C. 1900-1910s. Good antique condition, stable and sound, with the white (cream) ribbons the most aged thing about it, showing some tearing and fraying. Otherwise delicate but not fragile; one could (carefully) wear it still! And there is a substantialness to the armature, such that one could, say, hang it directly on the wall from a nail or two.
10" t including ribbons x 4" widest (Red white and blue silk star is approx 4" in diameter.) All in good condition, with general light wear and some tearing/fraying to the white ribbons, which are the most delicate thing about it.
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