What Shall Our Badges Be?
The Founders decided the Order is to have a new badge, to be made in two styles. One is to be of silver, or at least of some material that may be secured at a low price, say ten cents, and the other of gold, or gold and enamel, to cost as much as fifty cents, perhaps; certainly little if any more. A score or more Founders suggested that designs be submitted. Very good. Now where shall we get the designs? Do members wish to give us some? If so, send them in. Draw them in either India or wash, that we may reproduce them.
Here is the top of what is said to be the original King Arthur's Table. It is preserved in the cathedral at Winchester, England. The figure is that of Arthur, and the names are those of the original Knights. It was suggested that the badge be a reproduction of this, but if the entire table-top be employed designs will be so small they cannot be read. Besides, we Americans hardly want to wear badges bearing a figure of royalty, do we? Why not use the rose in the centre—the rose is historic—and vary the inscription around it?
In making designs, be careful to consider the time and nation. One member sends us a design in which appears the fleur-de-lis, which is French, not English. The sword, ancient pattern, the red and white rose, the cross, other than the Latin—all these may be used. Of course we will keep the "K. L. O. R. T." If need be, the words could be spelled out: "Knights: Ladies: Order: Round: Table." Let us have your designs at once. Any who wish may submit them. The two or three best will be published, if made so we can reproduce them. Possibly an artist can select the best features of several and combine them. So send along your ideas.