CEMS (Church of England Men's Society) - vintage enamel membership badge (c.1930)

Postage is extra.

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For sale is a vintage enamel lapel badge issued by the Church of English Mens' Society (CEMS). This badge displays the CEMS emblem and is decorated with vine sprigs in each quadrant.

The CEMS was established in 1899 by Archbishop Frederick Temple to provide a social meeting place for men, with an emphasis on Christian education through the Anglican Church. The society was formed from the amalgamation of three Anglican Christian societies: the Church of England's Young Men's Society, the Young Men's Friendly Society and the Men's Help Society.

The CEMS operated through a national network of parochial branches and each Diocesan Union of clubs was represented on a National Council which, together with the Executive Committee and Chairman who oversaw the administration of the Society. The Society also held annual conferences, from 1902 members could also subscribe to a quarterly periodical titled the Men’s Magazine and which by 1909 had a circulation of around 65,000 copies.

After a period of moderate success, the Society underwent a steady decline from the 1940's onwards and its place and role within the Church of England came under question. As a consequence of a 1985 report entitled ‘A time to be born and a time to die’, the CEMS was wound up and disbanded in 1985.
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DESCRIPTION:
Size: about 25/32" diameter (20mm).
Material(s): brass metal with 2 vitreous enamels.
Finish: gilt.
Fitting: buttonhole (horseshoe shaped clasp)
Imprint: W. MILLER. 118 BRANSTON ST. B'HAM
Approximate age: 1929 to 1932.

CONDITION:
Very good condition. No damage. Some minor wear to the gilt commensurate with age. A stain mark on gilt on buttonhole stud.
Please see photograph(s), these form part of the description.

POSTAGE:
* Postal costs are extra, additional to the Asking Price.
* I always get a proof-of-posting certificate.
* I combine postal costs for multiple items when these are paid for and posted the same time.

RETURNS:
* Return accepted if the item(s) is returned in same condition it left me, then the full Agreed Asking Price will be refunded. Postal costs are not refundable.
* Buyer pays the return postal costs - unless agreed otherwise.

B.40