Pins/Badges
Vintage Canadian Red Cross Lodge Volunteer Badge Sterling Silver Enamel Brooch
$126.18
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Details**FOR SALE ☞** Vintage Canadian Red Cross Society Lodge Volunteer badge featuring a sterling silver medallion with red, white, and blue enamel decoration, suspended beneath a curved volunteer identification bar. Estimated mid-20th century.
**DESCRIPTION ☞**
An original vintage Canadian Red Cross Lodge Volunteer badge, featuring a circular sterling silver and enamel medallion suspended beneath a curved identification bar. This distinctive piece represents an important chapter in Canadian humanitarian and veterans' welfare history.
The circular medallion features the Canadian Red Cross Society insignia, consisting of a white maple leaf with a central red cross against a rich cobalt-blue enamel background. The outer border is finished in translucent red enamel with a finely lined, radiating pattern and contrasting metallic lettering identifying the organization.
Suspended above the medallion is a gently curved white enamel identification bar displaying the words "RED CROSS LODGE" and "VOLUNTEER" in two separate sections. The medallion is attached by two small interlocking metal rings, allowing it to hang freely beneath the upper bar.
The reverse of the circular medallion is stamped "STERLING" alongside additional small hallmarks. The upper identification bar retains its original horizontal pin fastening.
Weighing 13.61 grams in total, this is a substantial example of vintage enamelled volunteer insignia. The sterling silver marking identifies the medallion, while the silver content of the remaining components has not been independently verified.
**Historical Background:**
The Canadian Red Cross Society played an important role in supporting Canadian servicemen, veterans, and their families throughout the 20th century.
Red Cross Lodges were established in association with military and veterans' hospitals beginning during the First World War, with the program expanding considerably during and following the Second World War.
These facilities provided welcoming spaces for recovering servicemen and accommodations for relatives visiting hospitalized veterans. Lodges offered refreshments, recreational facilities, companionship, and practical assistance, with much of their daily operation supported by volunteers.
Badges such as this identified individuals participating in this important humanitarian service.
This example is believed to date from approximately the mid-20th century, possibly the 1940s–1960s, although an exact date of manufacture has not been established.
An interesting piece of Canadian history, suitable for collections of historical volunteer insignia, sterling silver badges, humanitarian memorabilia, and Canadian military and veterans' welfare artifacts.
**DIMENSIONS ☞ (approximately)**
Overall Height: 5.2 cm (2 inches)
Width of Upper Identification Bar: 3.6 cm (1.4 inches)
Diameter of Circular Medallion: 2.8 cm (1.1 inches)
Total Weight: 13.61 grams
Materials: Sterling silver (marked medallion), enamel, metal fittings
Period: Mid-20th century (estimated)
Origin: Canada
**CONDITION ☞**
Good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with a period volunteer badge.
The red, white, and blue enamel decoration retains strong colour and attractive detail. Minor surface scratches, small enamel blemishes, and areas of wear are visible, particularly around the outer red enamel border and metallic lettering.
The reverse exhibits natural patina, tarnishing, surface discolouration, and light scratching associated with age and previous use.
The original horizontal pin stem and C-shaped catch remain present on the reverse of the upper identification bar.
Both suspension rings connecting the medallion to the identification bar remain present.
The sterling silver marking and additional small hallmarks are visible on the reverse of the circular medallion.
The badge has not been polished, preserving its aged appearance.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the item description. Color may differ slightly in real life from how it appears on your screen due to varying monitor settings. Have a question about this item or want to see more photos? Send us a message & we’ll get back to you ASAP!
ABOUT US ☞ Front Street Antiques is located in downtown historic Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada. We are a husband and wife team on the hunt for interesting items that inspire nostalgia and curiosity. As antique enthusiasts, we do our very best to describe any imperfections and quirks, as well as provide a general background on the item; however, we are not yet experts on every item in our store. If you have additional information about an item for us, please send us a message -- we are always grateful to learn more :)
PLEASE NOTE ☞ Item will be carefully packaged up and shipped within 3 business days of sale, often sooner. We combine shipping on multiple items -- please send us a message prior to purchase to give us a heads up & we will be happy to refund the difference upon shipping!
All our listings are considered collectible, retro/vintage (25+ years) or antique (100+ years) and are rarely brand new. The majority of our stock comes from auctions and private collections or estates. Items for sale may display some age related wear and/or minor flaws consistent with the date of manufacture. Photos are included as part of the description. Due to the age and nature of our stock, all items are sold "as is" and final sale unless damaged in transit and covered by insurance.
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• EU/UK Buyers — Under consumer law, most online orders include a 14-day right of withdrawal. Exceptions may apply to antiques, collectibles, and items sold “as is.” Buyer pays return shipping; refunds are issued only after inspection and verification of condition.
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Shipping from Canada
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