Token US Knights of the Maccabees Supreme Commander, Record Keeper 1891 to Date

Around the mid second century BC, Antiochus IV controlled the Jewish region around Jerusalem. He opposed the Jews severely, massacring them and prohibiting the practice of their religion. Mattathias the Hasmonean, and his son Judah Maccabee, led the opponent group agaist Antiochus IV. The Jewish revolution succeeded and the Temple was rededicated, giving rise to the still-practiced Jewish festival of lights, or Chanukah. Hundreds of years later, after the time of Jesus, the Hasmoneans and Maccabees continued to seek Jewish independence from any and all usurpers.

In 1878 the Knights of the Maccabees was founded in London, Ontario, basing their name, ceremonies and rituals on the Jewish Maccabees. The group is still active today (see this DubsarHouse page [press here]).

Like most fraternal orders, the Knights of the Maccabees create coins, medals, and regalia for a wide variety of applications. Much of this material today is sought by collectors. Our requester's (missfitfarms) piece is one of many similar items.

To get an idea of value, search eBay for 'Maccabees.' You will find the prices vary with the overall appeal of the regalia:

(A) COINS AND TOKENS WITH STRONG EYE APPEAL: $10 to $35 US dollars retail price

(B) COINS AND TOKENS WITHOUT MUCH APPEAL: $2 to $10

The pictured piece belongs to the (B) category. Of course if you have personal connection to the Knights of the Maccabees, the items will be worth more than the values quoted above.
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