1875–1890 Antique Knights of Pythias Coin Silver Lodge Jewel, Webster Lodge No. 7 (Washington, D.C. Navy Yard) Original Silk Ribbon

$220.00
A scarce and historically rich fraternal jewel from the early years of the Knights of Pythias, founded in Washington, D.C. in 1864. This example is engraved to Webster Lodge No. 7, one of the earliest lodges chartered in the capital and associated with the Navy Yard community—an important center of post–Civil War industry and civic life. The triangular badge displays the classic Pythian motto F.C.B. (Friendship, Charity, Benevolence) within a bold geometric cartouche, surrounded by finely hand-engraved foliate decoration. The reverse is stamped “SUPREME LODGE / DAVIS / 1874 / COIN”, indicating production in solid American coin silver (.900 fine) rather than the more commonly encountered plated examples. Suspended from its original bar engraved “WEBSTER No. 7”, the jewel retains its intact red, white, and blue silk ribbon, a rare survival. Most examples have lost or replaced ribbons due to fragility; the presence of the original silk adds significantly to both display appeal and collector value. Details: • Organization: Knights of Pythias • Lodge: Webster Lodge No. 7 (Washington, D.C., Navy Yard) • Date: circa 1875–1890 • Material: Coin silver (.900) • Marked: “SUPREME LODGE / DAVIS / 1874 / COIN” • Suspension: Original engraved bar and silk ribbon (red/white/blue) • Motif: F.C.B. triangle with engraved foliate border Condition: Very good antique condition. The silver shows expected age-related patina and light wear. Engraving remains crisp and legible. The silk ribbon is intact with age toning and gentle wear consistent with period examples, but notably well-preserved overall. Historical Note: Webster Lodge No. 7 was among the earliest lodges established in Washington during the rapid expansion of the Knights of Pythias in the Reconstruction era. Lodges in the Navy Yard district drew from skilled tradesmen, clerks, and veterans, reflecting the social fabric of the capital in the late 19th century. Please see other silver jewelry here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=16957559 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
A scarce and historically rich fraternal jewel from the early years of the Knights of Pythias, founded in Washington, D.C. in 1864. This example is engraved to Webster Lodge No. 7, one of the earliest lodges chartered in the capital and associated with the Navy Yard community—an important center of post–Civil War industry and civic life. The triangular badge displays the classic Pythian motto F.C.B. (Friendship, Charity, Benevolence) within a bold geometric cartouche, surrounded by finely hand-engraved foliate decoration. The reverse is stamped “SUPREME LODGE / DAVIS / 1874 / COIN”, indicating production in solid American coin silver (.900 fine) rather than the more commonly encountered plated examples. Suspended from its original bar engraved “WEBSTER No. 7”, the jewel retains its intact red, white, and blue silk ribbon, a rare survival. Most examples have lost or replaced ribbons due to fragility; the presence of the original silk adds significantly to both display appeal and collector value. Details: • Organization: Knights of Pythias • Lodge: Webster Lodge No. 7 (Washington, D.C., Navy Yard) • Date: circa 1875–1890 • Material: Coin silver (.900) • Marked: “SUPREME LODGE / DAVIS / 1874 / COIN” • Suspension: Original engraved bar and silk ribbon (red/white/blue) • Motif: F.C.B. triangle with engraved foliate border Condition: Very good antique condition. The silver shows expected age-related patina and light wear. Engraving remains crisp and legible. The silk ribbon is intact with age toning and gentle wear consistent with period examples, but notably well-preserved overall. Historical Note: Webster Lodge No. 7 was among the earliest lodges established in Washington during the rapid expansion of the Knights of Pythias in the Reconstruction era. Lodges in the Navy Yard district drew from skilled tradesmen, clerks, and veterans, reflecting the social fabric of the capital in the late 19th century. Please see other silver jewelry here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=16957559 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP