Ted Hake

 

 

WORLD WAR I BOYS PATRIOTIC VOLUNTEERS PAIR OF MEMBER ITEMS.

 

 

 

Although largely unknown today, this was a very important group during World War I. At the time, a State of Indiana Board of Education booklet described the group as "United States Boys' Working Reserve Is An Enrolled Army Of Patriotic Volunteer Youths Between The Ages Of Sixteen And Twenty-One Years, Organized Under The United States Department Of Labor, To Help The Nation On The Farm And In The Factory To Win The War. Every Boy Who Is Physically Fit, Who Is Of Proper Age, Is Eligible For This Non-Military Civilian Army." This is a group of 2 items for the members. The first is a 7/8" celluloid-over-metal lapel stud reading "Enrolled/U.S. Boys Working Reserve." This is near Mint, displaying Mint. Second is 1.5" brass badge with text "Boy's Working Reserve U.S.A." Lower rim edge has a pair of holes as made and these were for the addition of several different service bars. Perhaps for a higher ranking officer. Rare and Mint. Pair.