Boston Fire Department 14K Yellow Gold Badge Presented to Louis B. Mayer in 1926 + 3 Rare Pieces from the Landmark Silent Drama, Fire Brigade. Handsome 14K yellow gold badge, given in appreciation of "The Fire Brigade," a motion picture sponsored by the International Association of Fire Engineers and produced by The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corporation. Pinback badge is 2½ x 1½", weighing 32 grams and stamped 14k gold. At the top is "BOSTON F.D., while the center features the seal of Boston ? a panoramic view of the city and "BOSTONIA CONDITA AD. 1630" (Boston founded in 1630); and below is inscribed "L. B. M." The polished back is handsomely inscribed: "Presented to Louis B. Mayer May 14, 1926". Very attractive piece that should be of interest to collectors of Judaic, motion picture and fire fighting memorabilia. Light wipe marks on reverse don't detract. The 1 x 1" celluloid pinbacks are printed in black and red; one depicts a fireman wearing his red helmet, with legends: "See The FIRE BRIGADE A METRO-GOLDEN-MAYER PICTURE," and the other shows a red helmet with the following below: "THE FIRE BRIGADE, THE EPIC PHOTOPLAY OF THE HEROES OF PEACE." Also, a theater herald for The Fire Brigade stamped "Union Hall, Cherryfield [Maine], Saturday December 24," and interesting material about Mayer.
Ex-Butterfield auction 1996, lot 1247-1.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,800.