This item is part of A Fine Collection of American Society & Association Membership Badges. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
Instituted 1909. A Gold badge in a partial oval shape with a knight’s helmet and ax along top, centre obverse presents a red enamelled shield with a superimposed rampant lion, edge bordered by a white enamelled banner inscribed -1215- THE NATIONAL SOCIETY MAGNA CHARTA DAMES -1909-, reverse centre plain near edge stamped 18K, measures 23mm (w) x 35mm (h), weighs 12.9 grams, on original ribbon with brooch pinback, enamels fully intact, extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The National Society Magna Charta Dames was instituted in 1909 and the Somerset Chapter Magna Charta Barons in 1930. Currently the National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons has over 17,000 members, Divisions in 22 States, as well as Chapters and Colonies. The Statement of Purpose of the National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons states: The Corporation is incorporated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes, including, without limitation, to establish and sponsor a library, publications, conferences, symposia and speeches pertaining to the Magna Charta and its heritage as follows: to establish and maintain a society for the encouragement of patriotic and literary fellowship; to perpetuate the memory of the Barons of England who in or before the year 1215 rendered actual service toward securing, and who, after many defeats, finally did secure the articles of constitutional liberty, property called Magna Charta, from their sovereign, John, King of England, which he ratified and delivered to them ""in the meadow which is called Runnemede between Windsor and Staines,"" on the Thames, above London, on the 15th day of June, A.D. 1215; to promote good fellowship among the descendants of those who compelled King John to grant Magna Charta; to keep ever in mind the events connected with this most celebrated episode in the annals of the English race; to inspire the members of the society and others with admiration and respect for the principles of constitutional government, first established by the statutes of the Great Charter granted by King John, and; to observe the anniversary of the date of this the most famous charter of rights and liberties.