The Artisans Order of Mutual Protection was founded during the Golden Age of Fraternalism, shortly after the American Civil War. Three men are credited with founding the order, most notably Dr. James Bunn, who was also involved in establishing the Ancient Order of United Workmen, another prominent fraternal society of the era.

The organization was formally chartered in 1873. Its early structure was heavily influenced by Freemasonry. The initiation ritual consisted of three degrees—Endentured Apprentice, Fellow Workman, and Perfect Artisan. Local units, known as Assemblies, conferred the degrees and reported to the national governing body, the “Most Excellent Assembly,” which convened biennially. The presiding officer of a local Assembly was styled the Master Artisan, while the national presiding officer bore the title Most Excellent Master Artisan. Officers wore regalia similar to that of Masonic bodies, including collars and aprons.

Like many fraternal orders of the period, the Artisans established several auxiliary branches, including divisions for women, male children, and female children. Over time, the principal focus of the organization, and its auxiliaries, became the issuance and administration of life insurance policies. At its height, the order boasted more than 36,000 members, primarily concentrated in the Northeastern United States, with its headquarters located in Philadelphia.

The Artisans continue to exist today, though they now operate primarily as an insurance organization, with only a limited fraternal component remaining. Current membership is estimated to be fewer than 5,000. Their office is in Penndel, PA.

The traditional emblem of the Artisans was a blue circle bearing the name of the organization, enclosing a white square, which in turn enclosed a red triangle inscribed with the words “Peace, Power, Protection.” In later years, the symbol was redesigned into the current logo: a diamond shape with the letters “AOMP” at the corners, containing a circle and triangle inscribed with “Peace, Power, Protection,” along with a hand-cranked mechanism.

Until the recent discovery of this fez, there was no evidence that the Artisans incorporated fezzes into their regalia. This particular example originates from Progressive Assembly No. 4 in West Philadelphia. Its precise use remains unknown. It may have been worn as part of a marching or parade unit, or possibly by a member of one of the auxiliaries. The fez is maroon, embroidered in white block lettering with the name of the Assembly and the initials “A.O.M.P.” It features a short black tassel. Based on its style and construction, it most likely dates to the 1920s or 1930s.