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Up for sale is a compelling, historically rich two-piece lot of vintage labor union memorabilia from the AWPPW (Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers). Sourced locally from the historic Camas/Washougal mill community in Clark County, Washington, these pieces showcase the fierce solidarity and organized labor history of West Coast paper mill workers.
The Lot Includes:
1. AWPPW Enamel Lapel Pin: A beautiful square metal pin with light blue, white, and dark blue enamel details. The graphic features a hand holding a gavel over a roll of paper, surrounded by the text "Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers". The reverse features four intricate, historical Union Jewelry Maker Hallmarks (Jewelry Union Bugs) stamped into the lower rim, verifying it was 100% union-made by an organized metal smithing shop.
2. AWPPW "Red Brick" Celluloid Button: A classic vintage pinback button displaying the bold blue "AWPPW" acronym over an image of a red building brick. The reverse plate is cleanly embossed with the famous central logo and text mark of Bastian Bros. Co. (ROCH., N.Y.), the legendary gold standard of American union-made advertising merchandise. Additionally, the lower edge rim features a crisp blue International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union Label accompanied by the unique shop tracking code C 391.
Historical Significance:
Formed in 1964, the AWPPW broke away from older international unions to give West Coast paper workers independent, democratic representation. They represented the thousands of workers operating the machinery at the massive Camas Paper Mill. The famous "Red Brick" imagery represents the literal building blocks of union solidarity and was proudly worn on standard-issue work shirts and hats during historic contract standoffs and picket lines along the Columbia River.
Condition:
• Celluloid Brick Button: Excellent vintage condition with a bright, clean face, sharp blue printing on the rim, and a fully functional pinback mechanism on the backplate showing minor, age-appropriate toning.
• Enamel Pin: The front face displays gorgeous coloring and intact enamel work. The reverse side shows heavy green oxidation/verdigris patina as pictured, proving its age and raw storage history. No attempts have been made to clean it to preserve its authentic, as-found state.
An exceptional addition for collectors of vintage labor union memorabilia, advertising pinbacks, Bastian Bros hallmarks, or Pacific Northwest industrial history.
