Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A two-piece fraternal service medal featuring a top bar shaped like an open book with a sword, suspending a circular medallion with the 'F C B' shield. The Roman numerals 'XXV' signify twenty-five years of dedicated membership in this historic secret society.
Story
Knightly veteran medals were issued by the Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Pythias (chartered 1864) around 1910–1940 to honor members with 25 years of service. These medals reflect the “Golden Age of Fraternalism,” when lodges provided social and financial support amid WWI and the Great Depression.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed · Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias, USA
Condition & Value
Minor gilt plating wear and intact enamel support mid-tier pricing; heavy loss or corrosion would depress value toward base-metal levels. The medal is in good vintage condition with the enamel on the shield appearing remarkably well-preserved.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Two gold-filled medal sales at $55 and $85 for identical V1-marked pieces establish the primary market tier. A $37.50 base-metal comp confirms a lower floor when plating rather than rolled gold is used. Lack of a karat stamp requires conservative gold-filled attribution, excluding 10k and 14k solid-gold examples that exceed $100. High surviving supply of plated fraternal medals caps demand, keeping realized prices clustered in the $55–$85 range. eBay’s global audience continues to set the benchmark for this category.
▲ Official Supreme Lodge “V1” backstamp denoting national issue
▲ Complete two-piece construction with intact suspension bar and shield medallion
▲ Surviving enamel in good condition accentuates collector appeal
▼ No karat hallmark or assay to confirm precious metal content
▼ Surface wear to gilt plating reduces appeal and may indicate base-metal core
▼ High production numbers of similar medals limit rarity premium
Best Venue
eBay — widest reach among specialized fraternal society collectors and established price benchmarks
Upside Potential
Independent assay revealing solid 10k gold content could elevate value above $100