VERY sad to have lost the badge...
Hi fellow DGs,
Yes, I lost it. Boy, I tried, and tried hard, but got outbid. I have searched for 18 years for that badge style, and it would have been the last DG badge I would have ever bought. It would have been the Holy Grail of my DG badge collection, and I have some lovely ones, but not one of that style.
I am a DG, as you noted in some of your posts. I am very, very sad. I had contacted EO to get the date immediately. It was indeed her badge, and she had the pin portion removed (which would have been a t-bar with a c-clasp -- very old) and it must have been made into a charm for a charm bracelet. This was not an imitation or a replica. This was/is the real she-bang. Due to the variations on jewelers and engravings, it did not surprise me that her chapter and date were not on it.
I knew I would be outbid by that person and that person would be my sole competition, and that the price would be very steep. If it is any consolation to any of you she is a DG, but one I do not know personally. I know of her. Let's just say that I expected this. :-( I would have worn this badge proudly and for the rest of my life.
The style is authentic, and they were all flat then, and large. The current president's badge is modeled after that original badge style. In 1905, the badge was ruled at Convention to be one style only, with one authorized DG jeweler. Up to that point, there were all sorts of jewelers, and you could have your badge made where ever you wished. In Convention years, they would sign a contract with a jeweler in that particular city, for example. This is one reason you see such variances in the badges.
In the Archives you will see numerous badges with all sorts of gems and stone combinations: coral, opals, rubies, garnets, saphhires, turquoise, etc. They are staggeringly beautiful.
So, my sisters, thanks for your support - I did not know of your posts until I read another board on which I am a member. I just joined this to let you know I am a sad sister tonight. :-(
|