Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.350.2
Object Name
Sash
Title
CHAIRMAN NASFU Bristol Branch
People
National Amalgamated Sailors and Firemen's Union, NAS&FU
Description
Blue sash with yellow border stripes as well as metallic embroidery and metal details. The ground fabric is warp-faced, with silk warps forming the pattern of blue with yellow border stripes and blue cotton weft. Gold coiled metallic thread embroidery reads âCHAIRMAN NAS&FU Bristol Branch.â Between the lines of text reading âNAS & FUâ and âBristol Branchâ is a 6mm x 6mm x 1mm metal badge: a silver seven-point star surrounds a gold circular centre showcasing two hands meeting in a handshake with text âPULL TOGETHERâ above and under the picture. This badge is handstitched to the sash. About 910mm from the top edge of the sash is another gold badge (measuring 55mm x 110mm x 10mm) which ties the ends of the sash together. Secured with a length of dark blue cotton tape, the badge features a globe with a horizontal strip reading âBRITAIN,â with two leafy branches reaching around it. Along the bottom is a horizontal piece with three ridged stripes, with lettering reading âLONDONâ and âTUTILLâ between them.
A fringe of gold metallic threads is secured to both ends of the sash.
The National Amalgamated Sailors and Firemen's Union was founded in 1887 in Sunderland. The union became known for successful strikes in Glasgow, Seaham and Liverpool, but faced significant resistance from shipowners. Although the union went into liquidation in 1893, the union was relaunched a year later as NSFU.
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