Featured Masonic & Fraternal Badges/Ribbons

Lots of beautiful badges and ribbons out there dating back into the 19th century for a wide variety of masonic and fraternal organizations. Has anybody here had any luck finding ones with value? Obviously, some of them have precious metals value but other than that are not non silver or gold metals possible to resale if you get them cheaply enough or do you stay clear of them?

 

I have one somewhere, the size of a shirt button.....
it's cute, but as to value.......??

 

There can be some pretty cool looking stuff to my eye, but I have no idea of values.

Are you looking for trouble if you own Masonic stuff without actually being a Mason?

 

I doubt it........so much has gotten away from original owners that by now.....more pieces are likely owned by non masons !

 

I purchased three early 1900's fraternal badges few years ago at an estate sale. No longer have the photos, but they were absolutely beautiful and spectacular. Over the top details with fine craftsmanship of that era. Huge buck deer with antlers, a Native American chief's face, birds, trees, beautifully done. As a plus, they were local. I thought they were gonna sell in a New York minute!

Started trying to get $25 each. First tried Ebay in an auction, then BIN, then had them at a local antique show. I had them for at least five years without selling them.

Lowered to $10, I think I finally accepted $5.

I'm sure there are exceptions - but for regular metal versions, I now pass on them.

 

It would be worthwhile to just search “ribbon medal” sold listings and sort by highest price and just scroll. Then play with keywords. You’ll easily figure out where the market is. I do pretty well on this type of thing when bought in lots. Anything related to military action/events typically sells well. I buy GAR stuff every opportunity I get it at a good price. Masonic it’s probably more specific stuff in sub niches of the overall genre. I think the Scottish stuff tends to do well. When it comes to American Legion, Redmen, Elks, American Free Masons, Odd Fellows and the like the average stuff doesn’t sell very well but the rarities still can for some of it. Subject matter is usually the key.

 

Look up "Masonic jewels". My husband has his father's jewel. It looks like this one that I found on the internet that is selling for about $800. Husband became a Mason because his father and grandfather belonged, but in 50 years he's only been to three meetings. It's not his thing. His father was buried in his apron. We have hubby's in the attic somewhere.