DAR 14K Gold & Diamond Newport News Virginia Chapter Badge/Pin

Item: Badge/Pin

Make:  J.E. Caldwell & Co. (Philadelphia, PA)

Age: 

• Badge - Late 19th-Early 20th Century
• Pin - Mid 20th Century

Construction: 

• Badge - 14K Gold (Tested), Enamel, & Diamond (3.2mm)
• Pin - Gold Filled, Enamel

Dimensions:  Pin & Badge W/ Ribbon - 5 3/4" Long x 1 1/4" Wide

Condition:  Very nice vintage condition.  Pin & badge show very minor tarnish, ribbon slightly discolored. Please see photos. 

Weight: 14K Badge - 3.69dwt / 5.66g

Details:  The 14K gold badge comprises a yellow gold 13-spoke wheel with stars on the outside edge and cobalt blue enamel in the wheel with gold letters "DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION".  A 3.2mm diamond is set in the center of the wheel in a 6-prong setting. Set behind the wheel is the spindle from a spinning wheel in white gold.  On the back of the badge is a gold pin with hook clasp with a safety catch and a swivel bail by which it is suspended from the ribbon. The back of the spindle is marked "CALDWELL & CO" and 14K on the tip. The curved edge of the spindle back is engraved in cursive "Gertrude Heeney Wetmore" and the number 169430. The Ex-chapter regent pin at the top of the ribbon is marked on the back "J.E. CALDWELL GOLD FILLED".  It features the spindle superimposed by a furling cobalt-blue enamel banner containing "EX-CHAPTER REGENT" in gold letters.  A further folded banner forms the bottom edge of the pin, engraved with the "NEWPORT NEWS" chapter name. The pin is engraved on back in block letters "HARRIET W. PULLEN" and the number 420593.  A pin with a swivel catch and a solid bar are attached to the back of the pin. 

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based membership service organization for women directly descended from a person involved in supporting the American Revolutionary War.  A non-profit group, it supports education and patriotism. 

 J. E. Calwell was a jeweler and silversmith in Philadelphia, PA, known for their Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs.  Founded in 1839 by James Emmot Caldwell, the company grew, expanded and remained in operation until closing in 2009.  As of 2019, the name was revived with one store on Jewelers' Row in Philadelphia.  They were the official jeweler for the DAR from 1892 until 2010.