Pre - 1888 Historical Pi Beta Phi - I. C. Sorosis Badge - 1 9/16 Inch - 1. 93 Grams
Item History & Price
This fantastic and very rare badge is from the I.C. Sororis sorority which was founded in 1867 and in 1888 became Pi Beta Phi.
This outstanding item matches the descriptions of a pre-1888 I.C. Sorosis Badge except for the modified C clasp. This badge measures 1 and 9/16 inch where most Pi Beta Phi badges are much closer to an inch. The badge also weighs 1.93 grams. Ther...e are more than the normal 12 links in the badge chain.
The C clasp has been professionally installed instead of the original guard pin. Note the precise arc cuts on the C clasp and the professional soldering job. Additionally the C clasp is an old style from the very early 1900's. The t-bar and hinge appears to be original.
This badge has no engraving or other identifying marks.
From the Pi Beta Phi History website:
"Until 1888, the pin bore upon its wing the letters “IC” in black enamel and was longer than the present 1-inch size. A guard pin was used before the safety catch was invented. This guard was of gold, either a Greek letter, the same as the name of the chapter to which the owner belonged, or “IC.” In 1888, when the name was changed to Pi Beta Phi, the Greek letters replaced the “IC” on the wings of the badge."
From Wikipedia:
"Pi Beta Phi was founded as a secret organization under the name of I.C. Sorosis on April 28, 1867 at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. Pi Beta Phi is regarded as the first national women's fraternity. The founders were Clara Brownlee Hutchinson, Libbie Brook Gaddis, Emma Brownlee Kilgore, Margaret Campbell, Rosa Moore, Ada Bruen Grier, Nancy Black Wallace, Jennie Horne Turnbull, Jennie Nicol, Inez Smith Soule, Fannie Thomson, and Fannie Whitenack Libbey, and they created the society to enjoy the benefits of a secret society similar to those formed by collegiate men. They planned their society at a home where two of the women rented a room, choosing I.C. Sorosis as the name and "Pi Beta Phi" as the motto. "
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