Like the Catholic church, Fraternal organizations sure had a way with iconography. This is a badge for the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, founded in 1845 as a youth branch of the OUAM, then becoming an independent society in 1885, ultimately growing much larger than it parent organization. I just couldn't resist the dense layering of elements here, crossed gavels at top, compass, square, and arm-and-hammer below (symbolizing industriousness, craftsmanship, and manual labor), woven American flag in between, and (I especially like) dangling metal for the "North Star" Council (No. 222). C. 1890s or so, I believe.
3 9/16" x 1 1/2". Very good antique condition. Woven flag, which would be the most fragile component, is in excellent condition. Light general tanish/surface wear otherwise. I believe silver plate.
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