Western Federation of Miners Enamel Button Butte Montana Miner's Union WFM IWW

Description

Up For Auction!
Great WFM Button.
Here is a very nice, and well made screw back button with the Western Federation of Miner's Union logo done in enamel. The I U acorn marks indicate that it was made by the International Jewelry Workers Union of America. I have no idea what the 16 means, or if this may be made of gold. I'm selling it as pictured. I have placed the button next to a US Quarter for size reference.
The Western Federation of Miners was founded in Butte Montana in 1893. The union had a reputation of being radical and militant, even having their president and secretary put on trial for the murder of a former Idaho governor. In 1914, the Butte Miner's Union Local No. 1 decided they wanted their own union separate from the WFM. In June of 1914 miners stole explosives from a nearby mine and and blew up the union hall! The WFM also had a critical role in the founding of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).
This is a great piece of western mining, and union history. I purchased this along with other WFM and IWW ephemera from a Butte estate many years ago. Now its time to be part of your collection.
Please look at my photos for the best description.
Be sure to watch my listings for a wide variety of high quality junk from the great state of Montana. I have taken a long hiatus to battle cancer once again, but I am back and you never know what I might pull out of the closets or off the walls!
THANKS!
STAMPMILL-