Undated (ca. 1800-1830) Washington Legion No. 3 Hanging Badge. Silver. 49 mm, 13-pointed star, without hanger. 34.1 grams, with hanger. Baker Y-105. Extremely Fine.Suspended from a pin back hanger by two chains, the hanger inscribed B.H. EICHERLY in cursive lettering. A lovely example of this exceedingly rare and enigmatic type. The front of both the badge and hanger have been polished, either as issued or by the recipient; the plate specimen in the Rulau-Fuld Washingtoniana reference also appears to have been polished. A few minor handling marks on the front of the badge are noted, but the overall appearance is smooth, and with sharp details throughout the design this is an attractive piece in all regards.Not much is known about this type, although it appears to be an early membership badge for K of R, although exactly what organization that was is also a mystery. Perhaps it means Knights of the Revolution. The badge itself it struck, not engraved, as the few known examples are identical. The Rulau-Fuld plate specimen is engraved JOHN TEMPLE on the hanger, and the authors make reference to a third specimen that appeared as lot 200 in Presidential Coin & Antique Co.s sale of November 1994. This is the first example of the type that your cataloger has handled in 20 years, and its offering in this sale represents what could very well be a once in a lifetime bidding opportunity for the Washingtoniana enthusiast.From our (Bowers and Ruddys) William R. Sieck Collection sale, July-August 1981, lot 2663. Lot tag included.
