Rare Circa 1900 Metropolitan Turf Association "Mets" Member Badge in Enameled Coin Silver

This is a rare circa 1900 enameled coin silver member badge for the Metropolitan Turf Association, an elite New York trade organization for bookmakers. Led by successful bookmaker John "Irish John" Cavanagh, the Metropolitan's members were also known as the "Mets". It has been said that the mere sight of this member badge "almost guaranteed a better class of bet and bettor for its wearer" (credit: "Rothstein" by David Pietrusza). The badge shows the heads of two horses finishing neck and neck beneath a downturned horse shoe.

Circa 1900.

Approximately 1-1/8" in diameter.

Coin silver, enamel.

Lapel stud.

None.

This is from an early gambling association collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. ebay VBJX96 LIGEX1/14

8 (Excellent-): The badge has only light wear and tarnish; all enamel is intact.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.