IMPORTANT SILENT SENTINELS WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE STERLING SILVER AWARD PIN-BACK.
Bidding has ended for this item.
Thank you for visiting our past auction results. If you have an identical (or similar) to this auction item, please call or contact us to discuss. We look forward to speaking with you.
Winning Bid:
$6,424.94
(Includes 15% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 10:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, March 15, 2016 10:00:00 PM)
Item Description
3/4x1-1/2" tall sterling silver pin-back made to resemble a protest banner. A delicate design with a pole holding the banner with tiny chains at top and a small loop on reverse that allows the banner a small amount of movement when worn. Front of banner reads "Without Extinction Is Liberty" and reverse "For Service In The Cause Of The Freedom Of Women Presented By The National Women's Party" with additional text "Sterling." The NWP formed in 1916. Led by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns the group was solely devoted to the passage of a constitutional amendment to ensure women's suffrage. Paul and Burns were learned in the militant ways of the British suffragists and aimed to shame Woodrow Wilson into supporting a suffrage amendment. Starting early in 1917 the group began six day a week protest in front of the White House remaining despite weather conditions and threats of violence until the Nineteenth Amendment was passed on June 4, 1919. Known for their banners with inflammatory text aimed directly at Wilson and their silence while protesting, the women came to be know as the Silent Sentinels. In June of 1917 many began to be arrested for obstructing traffic. Rather than pay fines they opted for jail time and were sent to the Occoquan Workhouse where they were treated in cruel fashion. Alice Paul was once placed in solitary confinement for two weeks and only fed bread and water. When she was sent to the prison hospital because she could no longer walk she began a hunger strike with others following. The prison force fed the strikers and the abuse reached its peak on the night of Nov. 14, 1917 when 40 guards were ordered to attack and beat the group. Subsequent coverage by newspapers across the country helped to swing support nationally for a suffrage amendment. The present item is one of an estimated 150-200 awards that were given to the so called 'Silent Sentinels' members of the NWP who picketed the White House. A tiny scratch seen in reflected light at bottom left of banner otherwise only light buildup of silver tarnish that could be removed with polish. NM. We are aware of less than five examples in the hands of collectors and this is the first we can recall being offered on the open market in the last five decades. See also lot #129 for a NWP cardboard sign.
Pictures (click images to zoom in)
Review your bid and press the Confirm Your Bid button below. Important: By confirming your bid, you are agreeing to purchase the item listed below if you are the winning bidder.
You haven't placed any bids.
