Badge on Ebay

bruinaphi · #1 11-27-2003, 03:20 AM

Hi,

I am sorry to intrude , but there is a badge on ebay that is currently posted as an Alpha Phi badge but which we do not believe to be one of ours because the inscription is all wrong, and the upright Phi is not consistent with the style of what we know to be authentic antique Alpha Phi badges. Link

Aspects leading us to the conclusion that it might be an APA badge:

1. The seven jewels along the side of the A. Modern APA badges have seven jewels.

2. The "two dimensional" nature of the A in the badge suggests two As in one. You could look at the blue enamel as one A and the jewels as a second A.

3. According to Baird's manual, "The first World War made its impression upon the fraternity. Leaders in APA began to plan for the leadership of college men in training officers for the army." This may explain the "red, white and blue" appearance of the badge, even though APA's colors are black and gold.

I am emailing the seller to let him or her know it is not an Alpha Phi badge, but I thought someone might be interested.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Senusret I · #2 11-27-2003, 09:09 AM

Although a very interesting find, that isn't an Alpha badge.

Our badge has been the same since inception. Even if there are special badges made (example: for National Officers), the rubies and the blue enamel still don't add up, as they have little to no significance to us.

And the quote that you are referring to is explained further in our history book. APhiA had helped to establish an Officer's Training Camp for black soldiers during World War I.

(Of course, I defer to any more seasoned Brothers who have more knowledge in this matter than I.)

bruinaphi · #3 11-27-2003, 11:34 AM

Thanks for the info. I wonder who it belongs to.

Happy Thanksgiving!

blackbird · #4 11-27-2003, 01:12 PM

Very Interesting! I wonder who it belongs to.

sphinxpoet · #5 11-27-2003, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Senusret I
Although a very interesting find, that isn't an Alpha badge.

Our badge has been the same since inception. Even if there are special badges made (example: for National Officers), the rubies and the blue enamel still don't add up, as they have little to no significance to us.

And the quote that you are referring to is explained further in our history book. APhiA had helped to establish an Officer's Training Camp for black soldiers during World War I.

(Of course, I defer to any more seasoned Brothers who have more knowledge in this matter than I.)

Thank you good brother you are 100% correct.