This very impressive 9.25" tall badge has heavy silvered metal hanger at top with highly detailed eagle perched on a scroll-like design inscribed "Member." Beneath this in silver is the logo of the "Mutual Aid Ass'n. Of Employees Of The C.B.W.F. Co." with center text showing a section of barbed wire and "Incorporated April 3' 1894." Badge was likely produced in conjunction with their organization in 1894. Similar silver text on the lower portion of the ribbon again names the group. Both the mid-section and bottom edge are decorated in silver metallic thread fringe. The badge is reversible with the reverse in black and silver intended to be used at funerals of deceased members. On this side the upper panel has red color which bleed from the red panel on the front although the front remains almost totally clean, the only exception being a very slight line down the right side of the bluish gray material just a hair darker in tone. There was a time in the 1960s when collecting barbed wire specimens was quite the rage. The product played a huge role in the settlement of the western farming and livestock areas of the country. We know of very few buttons or badges that relate to the product and this is certainly the earliest and most impressive know to us. The following lot is related. This item on the front displays at least NM.