Vintage Irons & Russell BPOE Elks Lodge 10K Top Gold Lapel Pin 11 Clock Star NOS For Sale

tem Specifics

• Organization: Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E. / Elks Lodge)
• Manufacturer: Irons & Russell Company (I. & R. Co.)
• Material: 10K Gold Top Face, Gold-Plated Backing/Attachments
• Type: Lapel Pin / Tie Tack
• Clasp Type: Vintage Threaded Screw-Back / Nut Fastener
• Condition: New Old Stock (NOS) / Vintage New on Original Display Card
• Theme: Fraternal & Social Organizations
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States (Providence, RI)

Item DescriptionVintage MINI B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge 10K Gold Top Lapel Pin by Irons & Russell Co. – New Old Stock on Original CardUp for sale is a beautiful, pristine vintage fraternal lapel pin representing the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.). This authentic piece of fraternal history is New Old Stock (NOS), remaining completely untouched on its original manufacturer\'s display card.Measures .28\" x .17\" in miniature detail - exceptionalDesign & Craftsmanship

• Front Detailing: Features a highly detailed, molded elk head. Directly above the elk is the traditional fraternal clock symbol stylized with a central five-point star, representing the meaningful \"Eleven O\'Clock Toast\" to absent members.
• Rear Attachment: Features a high-quality, period-accurate threaded screw-back post with a scalloped, wheel-style locking nut to hold it securely to a lapel or tie.

Materials & Manufacturer

• Maker: Manufactured by the historic Irons & Russell Company (marked I. & R. CO.), renowned for their high-quality fraternal and emblematic jewelry since the late 19th century.
• Composition: Marked \"10 KT. TOP\" on the card, meaning the face design features a layer of solid 10-karat gold over base metal. The backing mechanism consists of rugged, gold-plated attachments designed for longevity.

Based on the manufacturing characteristics, packaging typography, and hardware design, this pin was manufactured during the mid-20th century, specifically the late 1940s to the 1950s (the post-WWII era).Several distinct historical indicators pinpoint this specific era:1. The Attachment Style (Threaded Screw-Back)The reverse side of the card shows a threaded post accompanied by a flat, scalloped wheel locking nut. While screw-backs originated in the late 19th century, this specific type of open, stamped-wheel mechanism was standard for high-quality American lapel pins from the 1930s through the mid-1950s. By the late 1950s and 1960s, manufacturers largely phased these out in favor of cheaper, faster \"clutch back\" (butterfly clasp) fasteners.2. \"10 KT. TOP\" Material StampingThe card specifically states \"10 KT. TOP / Plated Attachments.\" This precise terminology—bonding a thin sheet of solid 10k karat gold to a structural base metal face, while using standard plating for the functional rear hardware—was a highly popular mid-century cost-saving method that allowed companies to offer jewelry-grade luster and durability during the metal-conscious post-WWII economic boom.3. Typography and Display CardThe clean, heavy sans-serif block lettering printed on the presentation cardboard is classic mid-century industrial font styling. Earlier eras (Victorian through the 1920s) favored highly decorative serif or Art Deco script fonts.4. Manufacturer TimelineThe Irons & Russell Company operated out of their massive, historic headquarters in the Providence, Rhode Island jewelry district. While they were founded much earlier, the production of this specific mid-tier retail carded line peaked during the mid-20th century before the firm shifted its footprint in the late 1950sCondition Notes

• Pin: Pristine vintage condition with bright luster, crisp details, and zero notable wear or tarnish. The screw mechanism functions perfectly.
• Display Card: The original cardboard backing is intact with clear typography. The reverse side features vintage handwritten inventory/pricing codes (\"VR 76 TO\") from its original retail life, adding to its unique historical charm.

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