When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Scarce early Polish-American fraternal ribbon badge from Cleveland, Ohio, for Towarzystwo Św. Wincentego a Paulo — the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Group 35.
The red ceremonial side is lettered in Polish:
TOW. ŚW. WINC. A PAULO
GRUPA 35
Zjed. N.S.N.M.P.
w Cleveland, O.
ZAŁ. DN. 20 LIPCA
1920 ROKU
Translated, the final lines identify the organization as Group 35 in Cleveland, Ohio, and state that it was founded July 20, 1920.
“Zjed. N.S.N.M.P.” abbreviates the Polish Roman Catholic Union of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an important Polish-American fraternal and mutual-benefit organization based in Cleveland. Historical sources indicate that this organization later merged with another Polish Catholic benefit society in 1939, making the badge datable to approximately 1920–1939.
The front features crossed American flags, a religious cross at the upper pin bar, metallic fringe, and a large pictorial medallion depicting St. Vincent de Paul.
The reverse is a striking black mourning side, printed in silver with a cross and laurel decoration along with the same organization and founding information. This reversible construction allowed the badge to be worn in its regular ceremonial form or reversed for funerals and periods of mourning.
An excellent piece of Cleveland Polish-American immigrant, Catholic, fraternal and mutual-aid history. Cleveland\'s Polish community supported an extensive network of such societies, which provided members with insurance, financial assistance, burial benefits and an important social network.
Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear. The red ribbon shows fading, discoloration and textile wear. The pictorial medallion has visible surface scratches/crazing and wear. The upper metal/enamel-type bar shows age wear and surface marks. Metallic fringe and trim show tarnish, darkening and irregularity. Reverse metal hardware shows oxidation/tarnish. The black mourning side remains especially attractive with strong silver decoration and lettering. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.
