Union Watch Fob Appraisal

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B of LE) Fraternal Watch Fob

A vintage fraternal watch fob associated with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B of LE). The piece features a cross-patée (or iron cross) shape with a central circular medallion. The medallion is finished in white enamel, displaying the initials 'B of LE' in stylized blue and orange-red lettering. The body of the cross has a textured, engine-turned or cross-hatched gold finish with raised polished borders. This item appears to be 'new old stock' as it still retains its original paper hang tag, which specifies '1/10th Rolled Gold Plate Edge Warranted J. R. M. Co.'. This identifies the manufacturer as likely the J. R. Wood & Sons Company or a similar contemporary jeweler from the early-to-mid 20th century. The fob is constructed from gold-filled or rolled gold plate metal, a high-quality process where a layer of gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal. The condition is excellent, showing minimal wear with no significant enamel loss, suggesting it was never used. The fob includes a small jump ring at the top for attachment to a watch chain. Such items were typically worn by railroad workers on their vest chains as a mark of professional pride and union membership during the Golden Age of railroading (circa 1920s-1950s).