1906 German-American General Workers’ Union Bay City Michigan Convention Badge

This lot is a scarce antique badge for the 38th convention of the Allgemeiner Arbeiter Bund Des Staates Michigan or the General Workers’ Union of the State of Michigan held in Bay City, Michigan on June 13-15, 1905. The General Workers’ Union was a German-American labor union, established to represent the interests of German-speaking immigrants and workers. These types of unions often focused on issues such as better wages, working conditions, and political representation for German immigrants.This organization was part of the broader network of immigrant worker associations that existed in the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in communities with large German-American populations.

The badge is divided into two parts. The top part is a metal name holder, in this case, with the name “Jackson”. The bottom part of the badge has a silk ribbon promoting the convention along with its date and location. Attached to the ribbon is a medal bearing the name of the association. The medal is covered with celluloid and set in a bezeled metal frame. The badge is approximately 5.75″ tall by 2″ wide.