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Up for sale is an authentic antique 1922 Knights of Pythias Uniform Rank (U.R.) commemorative field day ribbon badge from Worcester, Massachusetts, manufactured by the renowned Bastian Brothers Company of Rochester, New York[cite: 28, 29, 30].
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE & EVENT DETAILS:• Fraternal Order: Knights of Pythias (K.P.), one of the prominent early American fraternal brotherhoods founded in 1864[cite: 28, 29].• Branch: Uniform Rank (U.R.), the semi-military, marching, and drill wing of the Pythian order established in 1878[cite: 28, 29].• Event & Inscription: Suspended planchet features an arrow-shaped center banner reading "FIELD DAY AUG 19 '22" set between "U.R. / WELCOME TO" at the top and "WORCESTER / K.P." at the base[cite: 28, 29].• Top Bar: Ornate scrollwork header bar deeply inscribed "SOUVENIR" with reverse safety-style closure pin[cite: 28, 29, 30].• Ribbon: Features the official Pythian tri-colors (Blue, Yellow, and Red) symbolizing Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence[cite: 28, 29, 30].• Maker Hallmarked: Stamped on the reverse with the circular maker's mark "BASTIAN BROS. CO. ROCHESTER, N.Y." centered around their Union Bug trade shield emblem[cite: 30].
DETAILS & CONDITION:• Complete assembly including the top brass "SOUVENIR" header bar, original tri-color grosgrain ribbon, and the arrow medal medallion[cite: 28, 29, 30].• Comes presented in a clear snap-close acrylic display case with bright foam insert for safe storage and preservation[cite: 28].• Metal retains rich original golden-bronze highlights with light, honest age patina and minor scattered surface oxidation consistent with over a century of preservation[cite: 28, 29, 30].• Ribbon colors remain bright and distinct with light edge fraying and minor storage creasing[cite: 28, 29, 30].• Rear pin hinge and catch are intact, straight, and functional[cite: 30].• A fantastic historical artifact for collectors of Knights of Pythias fraternal regalia, Worcester local Massachusetts history, and antique Bastian Bros exonumia[cite: 28, 29, 30].• Please examine all high-resolution photos closely for exact cosmetic details, ribbon condition, and hallmarks[cite: 28, 29, 30].
SHIPPING:Packaged with care inside protective bubble wrap and shipped inside a rigid, crush-proof cardboard box via USPS Ground Advantage with full tracking provided.
