Masonic and Fraternal Lapel Pins From Fratline

 Masonic and Fraternal Lapel Pins From Fratline

Why are Lapel Pins so Important to Members of Fraternal Organizations?

By B. Shawn Warren, Admin & CEO of Fratline Emblematics

What do members of fraternal organizations like more than lapel pins? Well, maybe the complimentary meal before a meeting but lapel pins run a strong second place! Lapel pins have been an important part of fraternal culture since the mid to late 1800's. EVERY American fraternal organization had dozens of different lapel pin designs made from a wide range of jewelers. In the beginning, most lapel pins were crafted by local jewelers, many of whom were members of one or more fraternal orders. When mail order catalogs and national advertising opportunities evolved, many of these businesses flourished with their offerings of "standard" lapel pin designs. From there, they developed past presiding officer pins and other designs to expand their offerings

Many of these local jewelers became suppliers on the national level and several of them survived until the 1980's. With dwindling membership in fraternal orders, not all could maintain the level of orders required to keep their doors open.  Another factor was the increasing cost of precious metals and real Gold and Silver pins became somewhat expensive. In the late 1980's many fraternal suppliers began to replicate existing lapel pin designs and offered them in base metals that could be purchased for just a few dollars.

And that's where we find ourselves today. While real precious metal lapel pins are still available, most members prefer less expensive lapel pins that can be collected and worn to a variety of meetings and events. Lapel pins are important because they identify the wearer as a member and often serve as a door to conversation about their particular fraternal order. Fratline is well known for our wide variety and large inventory of stock lapel pins for many Fraternal Organizations. From membership pins, past presiding officer pins to “years of service” pins, Fratline has you covered. You can checkout our complete selection of stock fraternal lapel pins by clicking the link below.

Masonic and Fraternal Lapel Pins From Fratline