Knights of the Grip Owney tag

1888-1897

Owney received this tag from a Michigan state association known as the “Knights of the Grip.” The group, an organization of traveling salesmen, was well known to railway employees, including postal clerks. The suitcase-shaped tag was the symbol of the group. Michigan’s “Knights of the Grip” allowed membership from anyone who “has been employed for the term of a year or more as a traveling man, and not over 50 years of age. In good health, not afflicted with any chronic disease, and not addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, residing or traveling in the State of Michigan.” Aside from the requirements that a member be a traveling “man” the traveling railway mail dog may well have been seen as a fellow knight by the salesmen.