Featured 1916 Fraternal pin?

Anyone recognize the name on this? Was thinking a fraternal organization possibly.

haven't tested but thinking this is likely gold, maybe with garnets. Thanks.

 

The letters are Pi Kappa Alpha - here's the most likely frat IMHO - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_Kappa_Alpha

 

Thank you, Bakers!

 

I'm not convinced that your pin is from 1916...
After the name, the engraving has the greek letters gamma eta followed by #16. Gamma Eta is the USC (University of Southern California) chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. They were founded in 1926. Perhaps the number is the owner's sport jersey number? The style of engraving on your piece... maybe mid-century?
EDIT: You could probably contact Gamma Eta and ask when Ralph Martin graduated.

These pins can still be purchased now (10K) and having the back engraved is an option.

 

Agree. Wouldn't be the year. Could be his pledge number.

Debora

 

Could also be the chapter number. Gamma (something) is the chapter name, but I did not see a link to a list of chapters online.

 

See my post above.

 

Gotcha.

 

I remember being pinned by a beau in college. Do they still do that? Perhaps Ralph's former girlfriend let it go.

 

Chapter number makes sense.

Debora

 

Excellent info everyone. Correction on date for sure. Thank you!

 

I wasn't aware that fraternity chapters had numbers? I thought chapters just took their own greek names.

EDIT: A little research indicated chapters are sometimes numbered in order of formation. Pi Kappa Alpha has 225 chapters.

 

Exactly. Order of formation.

Debora

 

So would this have been the 16th chapter formed? So would mean not recent, I guess.

The gold tests as 14K which is nice.

Thanks for the help.

 

It's quite a pretty pin, as fraternity pins go.

Debora

 

It's teensy tiny! I'm really going to have to emphasize that in the auction because the photos make it look bigger.

They do seem to sell well on Ebay, which is good.

 

Fraternity pins are small as a rule. And they do sell well on eBay. Seem to be collectors for them or new recruits who prefer old to new.

Debora