Bidspirit auction | Vintage Order of DeMolay Enameled

Vintage Order of DeMolay Enameled Merit Bar Chain with Shield Pin and Crown Pendant - A collection of vintage fraternal regalia from the Order of DeMolay, consisting of an enameled merit bar chain assembly. The piece begins with a gold-tone shield-shaped header pin. This header is inscribed with the word MERIT across a central shield device and the word DEMOLAY along the curved bottom edge. Suspended from the header by small metal links is a series of rectangular gold-tone bars with enameled backgrounds and corresponding gold-tone text. The assortment includes multiple white bars reading MERIT, green bars reading RITUAL, orange bars reading VISITATION, light blue bars reading ATTENDANCE, white bars reading RELIGION, black bars reading CIVIC SERVICE, a red bar reading CONCLAVE, a purple bar reading ATHLETICS, and a yellow bar reading SCHOLASTICS. The chain terminates in a large crown-shaped pendant featuring red and white enamel accents and crossed swords. The center of the pendant contains a black circular enamel field with a central letter C surrounded by ten gold-tone stars. The reverse of the components is finished in smooth gold-tone metal, with a horizontal pin-back assembly and safety clasp located on the reverse of the header shield. Total length: 13 inches Width of individual bars: 1 inch. The regalia exhibits minor surface wear and light tarnishing consistent with age and use. Small surface scratches are visible on the enameled surfaces of several bars (photo 1). The gold-tone metal on the reverse side shows areas of light oxidation and minor surface marks (photo 4). All connecting links and the pin-back mechanism appear to be in functional condition and intact.