This is a certainly quite fascinating & also somewhat puzzling miniature copper kettle for cooking pinback badge which we estimate to have been issued circa 1890-1920. The attached tag is pencil signed Master Hugh R. Nichols with an address in Newark, N.J. Due to the use of “Master” preceding the name and also due to there having been other Newark Masonic lodge items in the collection in which this was found, we believe that this piece has some connection to a Masonic lodge. However, there may be another explanation for what the copper kettle and the saying on the tag signify as there were many political items also found in the group.

In any event, it is quite an interesting & unusual badge. The length of the paper hanging tag is 4 15/16 inches & the width is 2 3/8 inches. The copper kettle is 7/8 of an inch long by 7/8 of an inch wide by 3/4 of an inch tall (counting the wire handle). The kettle has the original pin present bent around & attached (as issued) to the kettle wire. The kettle is attach to the paper tag with the original string. The paper tag has the printed wording: "When I'm 'In The Soup' Fish me out and send me home." Written in pencil under the printed wording is: "Master Hugh R. Nichols, 33 Nelson Place Newark (Essex Co.) N. J. U. S. A."

The cooking kettle, which is made of copper, has a rich & appealing patina. The paper tag has age toning, soiling, & creases. There is a small hole on the paper tag under the ring at the top where the attachment pin was once poked through & was thus attached the tag. This interesting pinback badge was recently found in an early estate from New Jersey where it had been carefully sequestered for the last 129-99 years since it's issue circa 1890-1920.

Please examine the clear photos that we have provided & purchase based on your own opinion as to the condition. Our inventory number of this item is #8976.

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