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Offered here is a vintage Kappa Sigma Kappa (KΣK) fraternity paddle, featuring the KSK coat of arms, fraternity motto and extensive original personalization/decorations.
This is a particularly interesting piece of American college fraternity history because Kappa Sigma Kappa was a relatively short-lived national fraternity.
On August 20, 1962, Kappa Sigma Kappa officially merged with Theta Xi, with 21 KSK chapters becoming chapters of Theta Xi.
DETAILS
• Original wooden fraternity paddle
• Kappa Sigma Kappa / KΣK insignia
• Motto "NUMINE ET VIRTUTE"
• Pink painted finish with gold and purple decoration
• Large, substantial vintage paddle
• Hole through handle for hanging/display
• Extensive handwritten and applied personalization on reverse
• Appears to include the name Richard Libardi/Librardi
• Includes reference to "Big Brother Tom Jones"
• Additional names, numbers and fraternity-related markings
• Reverse also features a vintage illustrated fraternity graphic
• Significant honest age/use wear consistent with a vintage fraternity keepsake
The personalization is particularly interesting and gives this piece considerably more character than an anonymous fraternity paddle.
HISTORICAL NOTE
The Kappa Sigma Kappa organization represented here should not be confused with Kappa Sigma, the much larger fraternity that remains active today.
Kappa Sigma Kappa had numerous college chapters during the mid-20th century. In 1962, its national organization merged with Theta Xi; 21 chapters at accredited institutions were received into Theta Xi, while several others continued independently under the Kappa Sigma Kappa name.
The markings on this paddle appear to place it around the 1960s, and the "62" marking makes the 1962 period particularly intriguing; however, I am leaving the exact date and identities of the individuals as unconfirmed rather than presenting speculation as fact.
CONDITION
Vintage/used condition with considerable original character.
There is surface wear, paint loss, scratches, scuffs and other signs of age/use throughout. The reverse contains numerous handwritten markings and personalization. Please examine all photographs carefully as the photographs are considered part of the description.
The paddle is being offered as an original vintage fraternity collectible/historical artifact, not as a modern reproduction.
A fantastic piece for a collector of:
Kappa Sigma Kappa • Theta Xi history • fraternity memorabilia • college history • Greek life collectibles • vintage paddles • mid-century Americana.
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