CHARLES BRAXMAR FAMOUS FIRE BADGE MAKER "YOURS TO A CINDER" 2-SIDED CELLO "CHARM".
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Winning Bid:
$224.16
(Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 9:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Wednesday, February 24, 2021 9:00:00 PM)
Item Description
1-5/8" double sided celluloid charm, as early as any we've seen (c. 1898) and also the largest. It carries a sadly ironic inscription as we will explain. Badges made by Braxmar, primarily for fire departments go back as early as the 1880s. This item, because it's made of celluloid and Braxmar worked in metal, carries the maker name on the curl of W&H. Front of the piece gives the firm address in NYC with the ironic upper inscription "Yours To A 'Cinder' Chas. G. Braxmar." In 1914 Mr. Braxmar was in his home using a match to locate a gas leak which caused a violent explosion setting his clothes on fire and terribly burning him and resulting in his death. The reverse celluloid on this piece we will quote in full because it is the only example we've seen with this exact text which is as follows: "This 'Charm' If Carried In Your Every Day 'Pants' Pocket Will Surely Increase Your Business And Your Bank Account, And Possibly Quench Your Thirst Or Bring You Other Luck, If Carefully Changed, When You Dress For An Evening At Lodge Or Club, It Will 'Help You Home,' Prevent The Frowns On Madame's Brow And Ease Thine Own Head In The Morn, Vanish The Dark Brown Taste, Steady The Shaky Hand, And Give To The World A Rosier Hue, Sure Thing." NM and rare. One known. Alan Weinberg Collection.
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