Early 1900's Modern Woodmen of America Brass Buckle and Bridle Rosette
Item #: AA3280
Click on an image to enlarge
This is a brass belt buckle and bridle rosette of the Modern Woodmen of America from the early 1900's. The buckle is made of brass and measures 3" wide by 1 3/4" high. The face of the buckle has crossed axes with the letters M W A F in the four quadrants, representing the Modern Woodmen of America. The bridle rosette has the logo of the Modern Woodmen of America, that of a five point star with a military style shield set in the center of the star. The shield has a blue bar across the top with five gold stars. Within the shield are the crossed axes and the letters M W A in the left, top and right quadrants. The logo is encased in clear plastic. Both the buckle and rosette are in good condition. The Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal benefit society with more than 750,000 members. It was founded 5 January, 1883 in Lyons, Iowa by Joseph Cullen Root. His intent for the organization was to protect and provide for families when the earnings provider, mainly men at that time, passed away. Root adopted the name "Woodmen" from a Sunday sermon he once heard, where the pastor told a parable of pioneer "woodmen" clearing the forests to build homes, communities and security for their families. membership was open to all religious beliefs, but was restricted to white males between the ages of 18 to 45 from the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. This restriction was in place until the mid 1900's. Certain occupations were also excluded from joining, such as railway workers, underground miners, gunpowder factory employees, liquor manufactures and wholesalers, saloon keepers, sailors and professional baseball players. Residents from large cities were also prohibited from joining the organization. Today the Modern Woodmen of America is headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois. The two artifacts are probably from a member of their drill team from the early 1900's. If you collect fraternal organizations, this little group will fit very nicely within it.
Shipping Weight:
2 lbs
Item # AA3280
Your Price $95.00 USD
We are currently not accepting on-line orders. If you see something you would like give us a call.