Description
Started in the US as a mutual aid organization in 1873 this is a fraternal Knights Of The Eagle antique estate enameled button in excellent condition. No dents or dings. All enamel still bright and intact. Size is just over 1/2″ across in diameter. Nice find for your antique and vintage fraternal jewelry collection.
About KGE: The fraternal symbol of an eagle, skull, crossbones, and crown belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle (KGE), an American fraternal organization founded in 1873. The specific combination of symbols likely represents a higher degree within the order, incorporating general fraternal and mortality themes with the KGE’s specific crusader-inspired ritual.
Knights of the Golden Eagle (KGE)
Mission: The KGE was a fraternal benefit society, meaning it provided social activities, financial aid to sick or unemployed members, and support for widows and orphans.
Rituals and Degrees: Its ceremonies were based on the history of the medieval Crusades, emphasizing Christian themes. Members progressed through three degrees: Pilgrim, Knight, and Crusader.
Symbolism: The KGE’s emblems often depicted knights and crusader imagery. The motto is “Fidelity, Valor, and Honor”. The organization is distinct from the Knights of the Golden Circle, a different, pro-slavery group from the Civil War era.
Meaning of the symbols
In a KGE context, the symbols have the following likely meanings:
Eagle: The golden eagle is the central symbol of the order, representing strength, courage, and nobility.
Crown: A crown is often used in fraternal symbolism to represent authority and honor. For the Knights of the Golden Eagle, it likely signifies the ultimate honor achieved by members who completed the higher degrees.
