Lot 156
Badge of the Society of the Cincinnati, ca. 1900. Manufactured by Bailey, Banks & Biddle. The Society was a fraternal organization of officers who served during the American War for Independence and now includes their descendants. Now in its third century, the Society promotes public interest in the American Revolution through its library and museum collections, exhibitions, programs, publications, and other activities. It is the oldest hereditary society in North America.
The beautiful badge of the Society of the Cincinnati (1783-1918) takes the form of an 18K (.72 ozt.) drop-winged eagle with sharply pointed gold wings and white enamel tail with a green enamel wreath encircling the eagle's head. The center disks painted in cobalt blue show three Roman Senators at the house of Cincinnatus begging him to lead their armies; the reverse shows Fame with trumpet honoring the hero who returns from war to till the land, both rendered in exquisite detail. Inscribed "Omnia. Relinquit. Servare. Rempublicam" with a band that reads "Societas. Cincinnatorum." Measuring 1½ x 3", the badge itself is in quite fine condition, its only flaw being that one of the pin dot sized glass eyes is missing and the original ribbon faded and detached, not uncommon given its 100+ years.
Included in this lot are two rare vintage publications :
"Fac-simile of Autographs of the Original Members of the Society for the State of Massachusetts June 9, 1783". No publisher or publication date. Consists solely of photographed signatures from a registry of all the members on June 9, 1783 with the final 8 pages photos of notes also dated 1783 (brass brads are modern). Each printed photo is overlaid by an original page of tissue, each glued to left blank margin of every photo. 9½ x 6", 30 pages. With "1783-1890, Historical Sketch of the Society of the Cincinnati and of the Movement for the Revival of the Connecticut Society" compiled by Reverend A. N. Lewis, M.A. and printed by Hoggson & Robinson, New Haven. Given the image of the badge on the cover, likely published ca. 1917. Also included is a visitor's brochure printed in 1968 of Anderson House in Washington D.C., headquarters and museum of the Society which also includes a history and principals. Estimated Value $3,500 - UP
Reference: The Insignia of The Society of the Cincinnati by Minor Myers, jr., p. 90.
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