Sigma Chi Badge $3,050.01
 

I have been keeping an eye on this badge, and was amazed to see it reach so high in price.

ebay link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...4321&rd=1&rd=1

Well I guess the pictures have been removed of this item, so this thread is pretty much useless.

Tom feel free to delete this post:D

Although very beautiful, is it really worth it?

Someday I hope to be in a position financially where I could actually drop $3,000 on a fraternity badge.

But would I do it? I would probably think that the $3,000 could be much better used by giving it to a Brother that has had medical problems with mounting medical bills, a Brother who lost everything in a fire, or to a Brother's family that is in need, rather than to someone who sells these pins for a living.

Sure, it would be saving a piece of history, but I would think saving a piece of our future would be more important.

I am sure a LXA Badge from the 1900's would go for a bunch!:D

History saved!:)

Yes Tom, but is it worth it?

When it comes down to it, it's nothing more than a hunk of metal.

Why not simply give that money to a scholarship fund for one of our Brothers? Which would be more important, having an old pin, or helping a brother finish college that normally couldn't afford it?

That is a good question!

Having an old Pin and is on display at a Chapter House for a Historical fact can also be a proud thing that can be dispayed and show PNM's.

While I have a very nice Collection of LXA Badges, I also have those from My Local, TKN, and those of GLOs who were there when we started. Why, History!

Never forget History!:)

Right Tom, but what is history?

I'm not saying don't collect memorabilia, but when a small pin, with no historic value other than being OLD, goes for $5,000 or $10,000, I disagree with that.

Sure, spend some money on some pins, books, etc. All within reason. $50 here, $100 there, no problem. But these prices are approaching a semesters tuition at some state universities!!! But when it comes down to it, is it better to have a $5,000 1/2 inch piece of metal in a closet, or is it better to help a Brother get an education?

It's better to understand that people can do anything they damn well please with their money.

A little overstated but to true.

Many have given to The Brotherhood and many others have an Agenda that they feel comfortable with!

That is their thing and no one elses.

While I may know where this poster is coming from I too have donated Badges or many things, and it is for the betterment of My Chapter, His, Ours.

So, what is the price that one puts on that?

Well I didnt mean to stir such a sh*t storm, I was just amazed that something so small went for so much money, obviously this had some extreme historical value, and sure its beautiful, and I like to obtain badges myself, but im not quite in that position yet. Maybe when im bringing in 10 million a year, but not right now......LOL

I Know The Guy!
 

Brothers,

I know the guy! I have bought many things from him on and off eBay. He is a knowledgable collector. I suspect that there is something very significant about this badge that we don't know about. He is a Sigma Chi.

Oh, and he is a medical doctor....

Everything has a story... we can learn from every story told... that is why I collect. Not objects...not things...stories...that can teach us about life...what value do we place on a story? History...stories...things...objects...stories...l ife.

Yours in ZAX,

Mike Raymond, Z-U Zeta

Well, what story does a 1/2 inch piece of metal tell exactly? What don't we already know from it?

The question is, is it really worth it in the context of preserving LXA history? Sure, if it was an original copy of ritual by W. Cole, I'd say yeah. But a pin just doesn't have any historical value.

Now, which would benefit the greater good of the fraternity?

A. Buying an old pin for $3,000 with no historical value, other than being old.

B. Donating that $3,000 to a scholarship fund, or using it to help a struggling chapter out with recruitment.

Tom mentioned "history saved". But what exactly is saved? Is every LXA item over 50 years old worth $1,000's of dollars simply to save history?

What are we accomplishing here? We do so to "preserve history" and therefore "better LXA"? If you like a shiny old object, that's one thing. But paying that much money for it to "better LXA" doesn't fly.

So you are saying that if it was in fact an original LXA badge with Delta Phi instead of Delta Pi, that it wouldn't be worth a bit of money. Or even a founding member's TKN badge, that is truly 'History Saved', these items are very relevant to our history, these items will never be made again and only a few have survived to the present date. None of us (well maybe one or two) know the history of that Sigma Chi badge, but obviously it went to its 'rightful' owner (A Sigma Chi, and collector) I mean if a 1910 LXA badge was to appear right now on ebay, hopefully someone would buy it to save something that is pretty priceless in a lot of people's eyes. So im just saying that sure the money could be put to a better use, but buying a piece of history is important too. A lot of times you need to look at where you have been to understand where you are going.

In ZAX

But what history does a pin have? It's just a piece of metal.

How does having a small pin help understand "where you are going"?

A pin is NOT a piece of history. It is not relevant to our founding. Original letters related to our founding is history. Finding out where someone is buried is history.

So, again I ask the question:

Now, which would benefit the greater good of the fraternity?

A. Buying an old pin for $3,000 with no historical value, other than being old.

B. Donating that $3,000 to a scholarship fund, or using it to help a struggling chapter out with recruitment.

Anyone?

I know the guy too!
 

The first LCA badge I ever bought on ebay, I got from him. Since then, I have met him in person several times, and he's a very nice guy. As Docroc says, he's a doctor - a cardiologist I believe.

The Sigma Chi pin is from the college where he attended med school. That's one of the reasons he wanted it. He really didn't think it would sell for so much, though. Sometimes people place high bids "just to be sure".

As for the money, maybe the seller is putting his/her kid through college, or donated it to some charity. Who knows. Who cares? The money simply changed hands - it didn't disappear off the face of the earth.

Gamma, I understand your argument and I agree. However, most people want something tangible for their money. That is why chapters have plaqes with donors names on them.

History is just that, history.

If we did not care about history then why strive so hard to find Warren A. Coles burial place?

As docroc stated it is there to do and find and keep. Well, kind of.:)

Keeping History whether it be a small peice of metal as you say GammaZeta it is History, mine, yours or ours. Ergo, the great quest to find Warren Coles burial place.

Do you still have your Badge? Do you want to keep it and why? Does it mean anything to you? If so, why?

The articles that Mike Raymond writes about History are the first one I read when our C & C comes out.

As some sage once wrote, if you do not watch History, then one is apt to make the same mistakes! Well in my words of course!;)

History is 1 second ago, the future is now and forever!

No Tom, you are wrong.

There is a vast difference between the burial place of our founder and a generic pin.

Please tell me exactly what a pin has to offer to "history" that we already don't know? It's not like we don't know our symbols. It's not like we don't know what they mean. It's not like we don't know what our CoA is. And anyways, we have a PICTURE of it.

Here's what I'm trying to say.

To blow $3,000 dollars on a shiny old pin is one thing.

To blow $3,000 dollars on a shiny old pin in the name of "preserving" history and to "better" LXA is a completely different argument.

While that may true in your perception, others feel differently and that is our or their decission!

You still did not answer My question, do you still have your Badge and why?:D

No Tom, I do not have my badge. It never mattered to me, it was just a cheap plastic manufactured pin. I DO have the stuff with REAL history though. My brick, photos, certificate, stuff that cannot be manufactured.

Now Tom, no one has explained to me exactly what contribution to our history does a small metal pin make???

If someone could possibly explain to me how buying an old pin for $3,000 TRULY benefits our "history", rather than helping a brother out with a scholarship.

Tell me what secrets it would reveal. What part of our history is missing that the pin could fill in? How does having the pin increase our actual knowledge of the past?

Now Brandon, I would consider what you just said to be a personal insult. If you want to start talking about sacrifices for one's chapter, you WILL lose to me.

Look at what you said: I started MY chapter. It was MY brainchild.

You know what your problem is? I'll tell you.

"I fought for that BADGE, and I'll be damned if I'll *ever* look at it as "just a hunk of metal." That BADGE shows the person standing next to me that I *am*"

I don't need a badge as a prize to fight for. I don't need a badge to let other people know I am a Lambda Chi Alpha. I don't need a badge as a physical reminder of what I am. I don't need a badge to have others ask me about it. I don't need a badge to spread the good word. I don't need a badge to show I am proud of what I have done.

Why?

Because I LIVE being a Lambda Chi Alpha. People know it by my ACTIONS, and not some cheap piece of metal I wear. Obviously you don't act like a Lambda Chi, or you wouldn't need that badge to remind everyone.

You can have your badge. You can have my badge. You can have 100 badges. You can have a badge worth $10,000 or $100,000.

It doesn't matter. Unlike you, I don't measure being
a Lambda Chi by a badge. Unlike you, I put value into the important aspects of being a brother. Unlike you, I'm there for my brothers, and not off in my room polishing my BADGE.

I've been to 3 funerals in the last 6 months for family members of brothers I barely know. Driven 3-4 hours for the wake after work. Why? Because I would rather show my love for my brothers by my actions. That is what really matters.

It's sad really. You only wanted to be a Lambda Chi to wear the letters? To wear a badge? You can take my badge, because obviously you don't know what it means. You don't know what it is to be a brother.

Were you even awake for ritual? Did you even understand it? I don't care about some cheap plastic badge that there are 1'000's of.

Funny thing. You say the BADGE shows the person next to you that you are a Lambda Chi. I don't need a badge to show people I am a Lambda Chi.

I LIVE Lambda Chi Alpha.

You just WEAR Lambda Chi Alpha.

You can take my hunk of metal right now, and in your eyes I may not deserve it.

But if I could, I would take away your brotherhood and association. In my eyes, you don't deserve it...

We don't need no stinking badges?
 

I know I am going to regret getting in the middle of this pissing match, but this is getting rediculous.

First of all, Gamma you're insistance that there's no real reason to buy old pins for thousands of dollars is perfectly valid. However, people collect stamps and prices do go up for rarities (no, I'm not comparing our badge to stamps, but you get the point). Also, I think that personal history (your brick, certificate of Initation, etc.) is more valuable intangibly and couldn't have a dollar sign attached. Up to that point, I can agree; however, past this, I can't see myself thinking likewise. When I do get my first badge (being a recent initiage of fall '06), I can't see myself just dismissing it, saying it never means anything to me. When I'm as old as Earp or so, I hope to still have my first badge on me to remind myself and to remember the days of StLCoP and Pi Lambda Zeta. And if I happened to come along a nice shiny gem of a badge that has historical significance, it'd be nice to get in on the action.

However, your response to Brandon was highly inappropriate. Granted, some things he said were inflammatory and shouldn't have been said, but to lash out and say asinine and rude things is completely antithetical to ZAX. Without even knowing your Brother, you start ripping on him, implying he is just superficial, wanting to wear the letters and badge. True, there are shallow people like that out there, but to just debase someone without knowing them is generally rude. It may be great to tell of your actions of what makes you a better person and a more genuine Lambda Chi than somone you don't know (though it kinda makes comparison hard, but go figure). We shouldn't wear the badge to show off, but rather show where we're from. Also, the snipe about him not being there for his Brothers is not only unbased on fact, but is also false.

Noone takes the time, effort, and sacrifice to start a chapter just to wear letters. At our beloved St. Louis College of Pharmacy, the campus had 4 or so "professional" pharmaceutical phraternities. But, the second we got on stage, the hate began, and though it has lessened, still exists to a degree. So, our Founders to fight to stay on campus. Which explains: No matter how much the first jab was wrong, this is unacceptable. This is just a low blow that was uncalled for.

In ZAX,
Adam

I too feel compelled to interject this hate war, though I am not entirely sure of what to say.

I guess I should start off with how amazed I am that simply someones opinion on how to prioritize, sparked an incessant debate that really has accomplished nothing good.

GammaZeta, congratulations. You have flexed your nuts and now everyone has renounced their deity of choice and blindly follows you. Accepting your views as their own, without any second thought. If this is not what you wanted, you fooled me.

From your first post, you made your stance perfectly clear. You will not pay a ton of money for a small badge. Great, you're not materialistic.
There is no need to reiterate your stance every post. We get it. We all get it. And for those who don't understand what your problem is, I posted your ramblings above in a more boiled down and pertinent fashion.

Now don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but when someone repudiates another persons view simply because it does not match their own, that is ludacrous. Especially when the view you are trying to disavow, is the answer to a question with no correct answer! You cannot ask questions like 'is buying a fraternity badge for $3,000 worth it?' 'what is history and how does a little pin preserve it?,' and actually expect to get solid answers. The answer you are looking for are completely relative to the individuals own unique thought process.

Again... all bow to captain ego-trip. Yes, i'm sure you have done great things for you zeta, brothers, friends, family, those you don't care about. But to simply say your contributions to society are greater than someone else's is again burlesque.

Quote:

It's sad really. You only wanted to be a Lambda Chi to wear the letters? To wear a badge? You can take my badge, because obviously you don't know what it means. You don't know what it is to be a brother.

You are indeed correct on one thing, for certain. It IS Sad. It is very said you will go out of your way to calumniate the actions of others in any sense. Who are you to judge? Oh wait, you are our new god, that's right. Obviously you know what it means to be a brother better than anyone I know (who are you again?). Perhaps teaching us would be more beneficial to your cause.

How dare you. *not a question* (Again, to reiterate, which you seem to be so fond of doing)

I don't quite understand how someone, like yourself, who only goes through the motions of being a true/good person try to strike down those who actually try to put that philosophy into practice. Nobody is perfect, but thankfully we have you to pick apart the smallest most insignificant of blemishes and blow them up out of proportion. What would the world do without you... surely it would perish.

I thank you for your hard work and dedication to your chapter and to the planet. Surely none is 'holier than thou'. None is more selfless. And as far as I'm concerned, that is a fact. I have never heard of anyone pronouncing their selfless acts moreso than you here. Well, now at least we know those acts were not purely selfless. You may have wanted to help, but you wanted the acknowledgement, and satisfaction of helping even more. Thank you for making the America we love so much, truly become a pimple on society's ass. (IMHO)


Cheers,

Seriously this is one of the funniest threads Ive read in a long time!

The "Great Badge Catfight" of 2007!!!!

Lenoxxx

Obvously Brandon, you have proved my point as to how ignorant you truly are to the ways of Lambda Chi Alpha. You just keep proving my point.

Now first of all, little Brandon insulted me and started it. If he wants to question me, he's going to get it right back. And you little goons can come at me all you want. You know I'm right, and that is what makes you guys so damn mad.

Now, obviously I'm the only one out of you three that got anything out of ritual. Does our ritual put the importance on material possession? Does the ritual put shiny objects over the well being of our brothers? Exactly. Now move on. You lost.

If Brandon likes to polish his prized badge all night, that's up to him.

It is clear by his post that he puts material possessions OVER acting like a brother.

Like I said before, Brandon, if you really wanted to just wear the letters or a badge, you could have just bought some off of ebay.

Now that that I called you out on your post, how everything you do revovles aroun 1. you 2. material possessions, you're singing a new tune.

If you want to start something with me, I'm going to finish it. If you don't like the truth then don't read my posts.

Now you boys will thank me later for showing you the light. Hopefully you will take my advice and mend your ways and maybe someday you will become brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha that actually understand what it means. Yes, maybe someday you will acheive the understanding and knowledge that I have of Lambda Chi Alpha. Doubtful, but it is a goal.

To me, it is more important to ACT like a brother than to just DRESS like a brother. Nothing you 3 stooges have said disputes this. That is the part that is truly sad. That these new brothers are only joining Lambda Chi for the rewards, and not the sacrifices that come along with being a brother.

Hopefully you can put pride aside and accept the fact that I am the type of brother that you must strive to become. Even though you have offended me and offered harsh words, I forgive you. I will make it a point that you have my guidance and teaching from now on. I will let you know where you are wrong and set you on the right path. Yes, I will make it my mission to save you 3 fallen brothers.

I understand your frustration on being proved wrong, again. I was once a new brother, new in the ways of LXA. I also understand that it is frustrating to be a new brother and not fully understand what it is to be a brother. Don't let anger get in the way of you accepting what I say.

Lenoxxx: these newbies obviously haven't been around the boards long enough to realize who they're dealing with.

If you had said something like this in the first place ("If he wants to spend $3,000 on a Sigma Chi badge, that's up to him"), you could have avoided this sort of confrontation. But you didn't, and from your posts - repeatedly inviting confrontation from day one- it's clear you need a doctor and you need a pharmacist. I sincerely hope you can get some help.

ZAX,
Jono

Jesus saves...


...Passes to Buddha...

GOAL!!!!!

This is one of the best things I've ever read on GC.

Actually 33girl has a good point. Younger brothers and sisters tend to be a little overzealous.

I too was in the same situation.

Brandon. You have to learn what I say on here doesn't matter. What you say on here doesn't matter. What anyone says on here doesn't matter.

It's an internet chat forum for Christ's sake.

Grow up!
 

Gamma Zeta and Brandon,

Just look at all the inter-greek cooperation you've fostered! We've got greeks from all sorts of fraternities and sororities dropping by to tell you how stupid you are.

For Pete's sake, guys, this is a public fourm! If we're going to have a family squabble, lets put on the boxing gloves and go to the basement - not the front yard. Brothers have a right to disagree, but for the sake of the rest of your brothers, please don't do it in front of an audience.

The next time a college freshman logs onto GreekChat to find out what Lambda Chi Alpha is all about, I pray to God he doesn't start with this thread.

As one of the brothers from my own chapter would say, "you guys are po-fetic."

Like I said Brandon, I would love to have a beer with you sometime. I'll bring my brick with me, you can do with it whatever you wish. I have no ill will towards you. You're young and still learning. Tom and many other members of GC and I talk on the phone regularly. Hopefully someday you can change your attitude and join me.

Enough of this child like behavior between the two of you!

Each has an oppinion and that is fine, but the name calling and threats will not be tolerated!

OH, LENOXX, Nice to see you posting!:D Good have you back!:)

gammazeta, email me, cannot find your phone #!

For those other persons who would like to post something that makes sense it is welcome.

If not, it will be deleted!:mad:

Get it!

Yes Tom,

Please dispose of this little shit storm that I started.....Geez.......I never meant for it to get this far and 'violent'. I was just relaying an interesting fact to the Brothers that do collect Badges......its kinda rare to see something like this go for so much $$$$$$$, but then again the Brothers who do collect were probably aware of this before I was......so next time I'll just sit quietly by the wayside.

In ZAX

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brother Brandon, I think the offer was there for you from GammaZeta, a cold beer does sound kind of good!


For two Posters, Brandon and Bill, no, I will not delete this thread.

Each member has the right to post their ideas.

If there are attacks against Members, I will either edit them or delete them.

If others wish to post something important from other GLOs, that is fine.

But if they post on this thread, and have nothing to add, or are disparaging, they will be reported and deleted from it.

This is an open web site and should be adjuged as such!

There are Members from our National along with others who monitor it.

I have made my request and will stand by it.

I do not feel that we need to be invaded by out siders to cause problems!

Remember, while some of do not get along on certain ideas, we are still Brothers.

Free wheeling ideas are what We have done for even though less than 100 Years of LXA, We have outstanding awards, Brothers, and accomplishments.

Brandon, you think you have had some arguments with GZ, you never sat in on some of ours! LOL!

Tom's right.

Censorship is what almost bankrupted and killed Lambda Chi Alpha just a few years ago.

If we don't speak up, the incompetence that is present throughout LXA will just continue.

We all have a part in this. We are all shareholders in this company. If I held stock in a company that was being run into the ground, I'd speak up.

Tom, I'm glad we agree.

GammaZeta, we are on a roll, that is one in a row!:D

Very perceptive post on your part.

Oh, found your #.

Will try to call Sun. when I get back from The Pitt. for Founders Day if your free!:)

I've held this badge!!! I met him at our chapter's chartering. He is a noteworhty Sig and I am thankful he purchased this pin. I think they might be doing a story on this SIGnificant pin in our magazine. I'll pass on the article, I think it will clear up this discussion.

Thanks for the post!:)

As I mentioned, to a Brother, I am sure if one of this significance of LXA would come up it would go to big bucks for us!:)

There is a difference between an old pin, and an old pin that has some historical significance.

I'd REALLY like to know exactly HOW a pin holds historical significance, or if it's just old. Did it belong to the founder?

I'm going to be very disappointed if the reason it's going for over $3,000 isn't good.

yes i too am curious as to why this pin went for so much.