Two different fraternal lodge badges personally owned by Bat Masterson, including one for the Knights of Pythias and one for the Rebekah Order of the Odd Fellows. The first features a triangular badge bearing the Knights of Pythias symbol suspended from a pin inscribed with his name, “Bat Masterson,” and bears a manufacturer’s stamp on the reverse with an 1874 copyright date. The second is designed as a star within a circle and features masonic imagery, engraved on the front of the pin, “D. G. L. No. 5,” with his name engraved at the bottom of the reverse, “W. B. Masterson.” Includes two small Elks pins, a pocket watch, and a green watch charm that were with the collection when purchased at the estate sale of Charlie E. Stup in December 1985. Accompanied by a packet of extensive research material regarding these items.
Notably, Masterson placed an ad in the Kansas Cowboy issue of July 19, 1884, which reads: ‘Lost: Knights of Pythias watch charm. $5.00 will be paid for it if returned to Bat Masterson, Long Star Saloon.’ The Apollo Lodge No. 62, Knights of Pythias was located in Dodge City, and the name of the organization frequently comes up in newspapers from the time period. A remarkable assemblage of desirable fraternal lodge material from a Western legend.
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