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1FR - BEAUTIFUL MASONIC BALL, CRUCIFIX, 9 KT GOLD
This is a fabulous item for Masonic collectors. A 9 karat gold
ball, 9/16" in diameter, which, by lifting 4 tiny latches, the ball
opens into 6 segments which at full position open, becomes a cross.
The underside of the latches are stamped with "9 CT". When open,
the cross measures 1 1/2 x 1 1/8". Each segment has 4 triangular
faces, and each is hand engraved with some Masonic symbols. The
engraving work is legible but not masterpiece quality. There is a
small loop at the top of the ball when closed, for hanging around the
neck. These are really intriguing. I've seen very few in all
the years I was collecting fraternal material. Of those we've seen
for sale recently, ours is the least expensive, and is listed at our
cost. $450
2FR - ANTIQUE LARGE & SHOWY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR RIBBON
9 1/2" long x 2 3/4" wide black silk. Believe this was created
and worn for a funeral, but not sure. Face is embossed with ornate
gold and silver brass with clasp on back and ribbon support bar.
Ribbon reads, from top down, "LEWISTON / COMMANDERY / entwined letters C
L with crossed swords & pike) / four-sided cross around picture of
charging crusader on horse, ringed with "LEWISTON COMMANDERY K.T.,
CHARTERED MAY 2nd, 1865" and below "NO. 6 K.T. / LEWISTON MAINE".
Bottom is edged with silver bullion and fringe. Top bar is
tarnished. Bullion is tarnished. Ribbon is fine.
Lettering/decoration generally excellent. These large, showy
ribbons are scarce and great display items. Many fraternal orders
used them. C.1880-90. $65
3FR - A FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS GOLDEN JEWEL - 1932 BUFFALO
Mostly gold...considerable hand engraved details and features.
There is a ruby at the hinge of the compass, and where the G would
normally be, is a diamond of approximately 1/3rd carat. Since the
diamond is real (we have a diamond tester), we presume the ruby is as
well, on such a beautiful medal. A gorgeous piece of jewelry.
Topped with a gold ring which links to the objects below, supporting all
from this point. The first link is to a fancy letter "G",
supported by an inverted square, itself supported on each side by rococo
scrolls. All this sits on a ring with incised scroll work,
surrounding the compass, sunburst, square, ruby and diamond, and the
compass is open against a curving scale. It all terminates on
bottom with two C & S scrolls. The reverse is hand engraved at
center, "PRESENTED TO WOR BRO., CARL E. FREEMAN / BUFFALO NO. 846 / F &
A.M. / JAN 8, 32". Condition is like new. A gorgeous
specimen. Very hard to photograph without lots of reflections.
$895
4FR - BEAUTIFUL PRE-CIVIL WAR FRAMED ODD FELLOWS APRON
Comes with a check-sized dues receipt dated July 10, 1849. The
brother's name is Leonard Pratt. The apron measures 16 1/2 x 14",
and is also framed. The frame was made for the apron, being
entirely faced with high relief chain design to match their chain motif,
except the frame chain is endless. The superb apron is white silk
with red border edged with sequins and bullion. The stars are
bullion and silver sequins and bullion. The three link chain is
edged with sequins and bullion. "ASTORIA LODGE" is in red leather and
glued in place. Condition is superb, showing expected age and
light wear. We have removed the glass from the frame so this item
is not damaged in transit. The frame measures 17 1/2 x 22".
The apron was carefully stitched to the heavy board, which you can only
see when it is out of the frame. We've had this marvelous specimen
in our collection for many years. $395
5FR - ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR 1941 DATED GOLD BADGE
A jewelry grade work of art in 12 or 14 kt gold. Hand
engraved, exquisitely precise detailed designs. Star has
microscopic details all against fired enamel backgrounds of different
colors. Two piece, 2" tall. Top bar is engraved with
"Rebecca No. 27". Has lockable pin/clasp on back. Hanging
from twin chains is the star set against a gold wreath. On the
star, each point has a different color and symbol. A gavel hangs
from the top bar at center. Reverse of pendant is engraved
"Dorothy E. Salisbury, 1941". About mint condition.
$75
6FR - GORGEOUS Circa 1850-60 HAIR WATCH CHAIN or CHOKER with
ODD FELLOW PENDANT AND GOLD FITTINGS The chain is
15 1/2" long and is comprised of three strands of beautifully woven
human hair, put together in a spiral. One end terminates in an
engraved gold socket with rings. The other end terminates in
engraved gold socket and ring which holds a very ornate, large hook
which was meant to go over a button or in a button hole. In the
middle of the chain is a gold, engraved sleeve through which the chain
goes. It has a ring on the side which drops a swivel/chain holding
a rectangular "jewel", a gold rectangular structure which has a layered
glass or mineral centerpiece engraved with the three links of the ODD
FELLOWS. The opposite side has a dark green striated insert.
It's also possible that a lady wore it as a choker type necklace.
Overall condition is very fine. The chain has one very small frayed area
(see photo). About as fine as hair jewelry comes, from the Civil
War- mid-1800's period. $445
7FR - HISTORIC 1830 NEWSPAPER ANTI-MASONIC HERALD
"The Anti-Masonic Herald, and Lancaster Weekly Courier", Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. Friday July 23, 1830. Volume III. No. 6. 22 x 30",
folded in half, giving 4 print pages. Filled with picturesque advertising
and notices, and several editorials and news items, most exhibiting the paper's
clear and certain anti-Masonic sentiments, boldly inserted in their reporting on
most situations and incidents reported. A trial is said to have been
decided in favor of a mason, George Washington is said to have denied active
membership in the masons, and many other examples. Paper shows wear and
some parting on folds. Entirely legible. Fascinating reading.
Illustrative of the rabid anti-Masonic sentiment which existed at that time in
the country. $35
8FR - CABINET PHOTO C.1880's OF MAN WITH SHRINER INSIGNIA
The insignia is worn at the throat, probably pinned to his tie.
Scimitar at top, suspending the arch of claws with sphinx at center,
suspending a small pendant. Fine. $30

9FR - SPLENDID ODD FELLOWS SASH OR COLLAR C.1880's, WITH
PHOTO OF OWNER AND I.D. PLATE Simply as removed
from the frame it was originally in. ID plate states "MILTON E.
SMITH First N.G. Takawambait Lodge 1878 - 1922". Deep red velvet
embroidered in gold bullion, forming leafy sprays, stars and fringe at
the lower edges plus tassels. A three oval link chain joins the
bottom tails. Aside from deep tarnish to the bullion and some
thinning to the red in areas, this is in very nice displayable
condition. Does have an old crack with some old tape on back,
along the top of the photo, and should be repaired more professionally.
We haven't touched it. $95
10FR - ELABORATE EARLY ODD FELLOWS COLLAR
Red velvet on top with silver bullion embroidery and fringe, and
purple/black velvet on bottom embroidered with gold bullion and fringe.
Inside is light purple satin quilting. Bottom pieces are brought
together with the 3 oval chain links. Shows some edge wear and
tarnish to bullion, but is very good overall, especially for its age.
This is a masterpiece of bullion work and I judge it dates in the last
quarter of the 19th Century. $150
11FR - BADGE - P.O.S.A. - PATRIOTIC ORDER SONS OF AMERICA GOLDEN
JUBILEE 1847-1897 Probably the largest fraternal
badge you've ever seen. Probably the Patrons of Husbandry come in
a distant second, on some of their badges. This one, cast iron
with gold finish, measures a bit over 6" tall. Shield shaped with
bust of Washington at center. Has the wording "P. O. S. OF A. / GOLDEN
JUBILEE". Pin back top has the dates 1847-1897, flanking READING,
PA. Amazing to think of wearing this piece of hardware. Some
tarnish and wear to gold wash. $45
14FR -
1914 F.O.E. (FRATERNAL ORDER
OF EAGLES) CONVENTION DELEGATE BADGE Very scarce
fraternal material, especially early specimens, which are quite
handsome. F.O.E. established in 1898, and still going strong.
Supports numerous benevolent causes. One example…donations to St.
Jude’s Hospital tops $1 million. This is a 3-piece badge in brass
with some gold wash and decorative fired enamel. Top piece features a
spread eagle under ribband saying “GRAND / KANSAS CITY / AERIE”, over full
color crossed American flags behind “1914/F.O.E.”, all enameled.
The drop bar reads “DELEGATE”. The pendant is in the shape of
Missouri, with enameled “KC” in heart border, next to Mule over “Show
Me”. Under the KC heart is “HEART OF AMERICA”. Below this is
scene of residential homes. Clasp on back of top piece. Fine
condition. $50
15FR - BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE P.O.S. of A. BRASS WATCH FOB
Patriotic Order Sons of America. Really nice quality watch fob
1 1/2" in diameter, with original leather strap. Overall 5 3/8"
long. The face has Minuteman surrounded by short phrases of their
mission. Reverse text indicates this is a seal of membership.
Has loop on edge for strap. Very high quality and fine condition.
Unsure of exact age, but has the appearance of 1930's. $35
16FR - JEWELRY GRADE FORESTERS OF AMERICA BADGE
Brilliant gold (possibly 12 - 14 kt) and fired enamel, 3-piece badge
3 1/2" tall. Top bar is oval and hand engraved with the name
STEPHEN GEDLINSKY. A small eagle sits atop. Has a T-bar
clasp on back. Hanging from two chains is a second bar, engraved
with "COURT CAPITOL No. 165". The lower pendant hangs from chain
and consists of wreath faced with five pointed star in white fired
enamel with letters "L.U.B.C." (Loyalty, Unity, Benevolence, Charity),
and this has a seal applied on top consisting of an Elk head and red -
white - blue "FOFA" in enamel. About mint condition. The
society grew out of a British order founded in 1813, based on the tales
of Robin Hood. By the 1830's it was a fraternal benefit society
much like the Masons. Many schisms have occurred over the decades
spawning numerous splinter groups of which the F. of A. is one.
Each piece has a mark which is a square with a diamond inside that.
$50
17FR -
"F OF A"
FORESTERS OF AMERICA FRATERNAL LAPEL PIN
5/8" wide x 7/8" high. Beautiful little pin with red, white
and blue fired enamel in the flags and banner at bottom, underneath an
Elk in the middle, and an eagle at the very top. Around the elk
are the words "LIBERTY UNITY BENEVOLENCE CONCORD". There is a
marking on the back, but I can not make it out. Likely is some
level of gold. Quality item, early by the looks of the pin on
back. $35
18FR - LOVELY BADGE - SOJOURNERS NATIONAL - APPEARS MASONIC
However, there my knowledge and references end. 3 3/4" tall. Tall
white fired enamel background, filled with blue stars, with gilded
design affixed to face; the wording is "SOJOURNERS / NATIONAL". Has
compass and square over spread eagle. Very attractive. Hangs
from blue/yellow striped ribbon with PAST PRESIDENT bar. Ribbon is
dulled. A bit of sewing is loose by the pin. Enamel work
makes this a little gem. Stamped "DIEGES & GLUST NEW YORK". $25
19FR - KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS FOB PIN C.1890-1900
Fancy, two sided cross with K of P insignia at center with fired
enamel colors. Metal is gold plated. Ring at top holds it to
a ribband bar with pin back, and etched name "C. L. HAIGHT". Nice
little badge, but fob was initially made for a watch chain and is a
fine, stand-alone display item. Fine shape. $15
20FR - LOVELY FRATERNAL BADGE - THE COMPANION'S JEWEL OF THE
ROYAL ARCH
5" tall. Just a very pleasing combination of all gold, hand
worked, hand engraved mounts and badge, with a ribbed, watered silk
light beige ribbon. There are three scrolled bars on the ribbon.
Similar scrolls edge and frame the circular center which is ringed with
a line of Latin, all hand engraved. Both sides of the pendant have
the wording. Back of ribbon top bar has a 2 1/4" stick pin.
Overall superb condition. A search on the Internet brought up this
info, in part: The Companion's Jewel
of the Royal Arch is a double triangle, sometimes known as the Seal of
Solomon, within a circle of gold; at the bottom is a scroll bearing the
words, Nil nisi clavis deest - "Nothing is wanting but the Key;"
and on the circle appears the legend, Si talia jungere possis sit
tibi scire satis - "If thou canst comprehend these things, thou
knowest enough." On the triangle is inscribed EYPHKAMEN (Eurekamen) -
invenimus cultor dei civis mundi - "We have found the worship of
God, O citizen of the world." On the reverse of the circle are engraven
the words, Deo, regi, et fratribus; honor, fidelitas,
benevolentia - "For God, king and the brethren; honour, fidelity and
benevolence;" and on the reverse of the triangles, Wisdom, Strength,
Beauty, Peace, Concord, Truth.
$35
21FR - VINTAGE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, MASONIC BADGE C.1900
Not sure what it designates; either the 26th Conclave at the location
given (BELLAIRE, OHIO) or a badge indicating how long the wearer had been a member...in
this case 26 years. Two piece badge of superb quality, 3 1/4"
tall. Blank decorative pin back top piece. Chain connects the
pendant which has knight's helmet at top over tall oval in maroon fired
enamel, with black/gold crosses on each side, with KT letters, maroon
cross with crown over white pyramid, faced with shield with gold 26.
Rear has the maker stamped "C.G. BRAXMAR CO. N.Y.". Just a little beauty. $30
22FR - KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS PRESENTATION BADGE 1916 Solid Silver (marked T SILVER) backing in the shape of a house, with
weaponry applied, it having a gold wash. The weapons include
crossed battle axes, helmet, and shield, the latter with the letters "F.C.B."
(Friendship, Charity, Benevolance). This pendant hangs from a
small ribband engraved with "Erie Lodge 327". The back side is
engraved wtih "Presented to A.E. Meyer, by Erie Lodge 327 KP July 6,
1916". The engraving went over the copyright stamp of 1874, and
other words within the logo. The weapons are indicative of the
military orientation of KP and likely indicates a member of the Uniform
Rank (U.R.), the military branch of KP. $50
23FR - TINIEST, OLDEST KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS LAPEL PIN I'VE EVER
SEEN This one is 5/16" tall on its face, and
dates from the earliest days of the organization (1860's). For its small
size (I lost this more than once while I was trying to write this
description) the detail is amazing, to include the letters FCB, each
having its own fired enamel color, plus crossed battle axes and helmet
(gold). If this wasn't enough to amaze, the screw back was enough. The
post is threaded and the nut is a little scalloped cup, and is almost
impossible to keep hold of. Neat, if you have a good loupe. $30
24FR - 1921 PRESENTATION BADGE FROM THE NEW ENGLAND ORDER OF
PROTECTION Four piece solid sterling. 5
1/2" tall. Top ornate pin back bar has raised lettering N.E.O.P.
Hanging by two chains is a six-pointed star with entwined lettering at
center, surrounded by the abbreviation of six New England states.
Behind this is a dark blue ribbon drop supporting a large shield shaped
pendant with what appears to be a man and woman shaking hands,
surrounded by "UNITED FOR PROTECTION". Pendant's reverse is hand
engraved with the presentation "Presented to / P. W. / Irving L.
Redfield / by / Newtown Lodge No. 555 / 1921". Stamped "STERLING"
on the three different pieces that make up the badge. Excellent
condition. Metal is tarnished fairly dark. This is a very
large fraternal benefit society that served New England states.
Since 1968, joined with the Woodmen of the World. Their primary
concerns are life insurance, hospital supplements, and annuity
certificates. $40
25FR - 1913 P.O.S. of A. 48th ANNUAL SESSION DELEGATE BADGE
"DELEGATE / 48TH ANNUAL SESSIONS" in blue and red enamel on the top
bar, with a keystone in the middle. The bottom pendant has a
red-white-blue enamel shield with the words "STATE CAMP AUG. 26.27.28
1913", and a white enamel star with bust of Washington and the letters "P.O.S.
OF A.", which stands for Patriotic Order, Sons of America. "ALTOONA
PENNSYLVANIA" at the very bottom over a background of leaves and
foliage. Overall 2" high. Beautiful condition. No
maker listed. $20
26FR - BADGE OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE C.1900
Established 1873. Their principle tenets were
"Fidelity, Valor, Honor". It is currently active, though
considerably downsized from its days of glory. It is a beneficial,
semi-military secret society that founded its ritual and ceremonies on
the history and pageantry of crusaders of old. The badge is two
piece, plus red ribbon backing. Top decorative bar is heavy brass
with spread eagle over crossed swords. Reverse has long, heavy
stick pin. Patent date of 1886 on rear. Pendant hangs on
hook affixed to top bar. Pendant is 2" in diameter, with convex
face. Has lodge name on front, a wreath and scene of Crusader
being given a crown by a winged female figure. Ribbon is a correct
vintage replacement (from a roll of original store stock), just needs to
be sewn to ribbon bar. $20
27FR - ANOTHER KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE BADGE C.1900
The
badge is two-piece plus original red ribbon, 6" tall. Top
decorative bar is heavy brass with spread eagle over crossed swords.
Reverse has long, strong stick pin. Patent date of 1886 is seen.
The ribbon supports an almost 2" gold tone disc, with convex face.
Has lodge name, wreath, and central scene of warrior being given crown
by winged woman. Ribbon is lightly faded. $20
28FR - VINTAGE C.1870-80's KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS BADGE
For member of the first 3 ranks, indicated by the single triangle.
The triangle is silver or silver plated, and marked on back with a
copyright stamp and date 1874. The face has gold washed letters F
C B (Friendship, Charity, Benevolence) and the words "ESTO PERPETUA".
A gold washed oval is applied to middle which gives the name of the
society, and the helmet, crossed weapons and shield. This hangs
from a ribband bar with pin and clasp on back. 3" tall.
Excellent with light wear. $20
30FR - PRESENTATION KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS BADGE CHICAGO 1895
10-12 kt gold or heavy gold plate. Tall oval border with
wreath embossed on it, encircles the twin pyramids of the Uniform Rank.
The letters KP are within the pyramid, and the officer's past rank is
done up in black with silver Old English letters P.G.R. The oval
pendant hangs from a ribband bar engraved "Commercial No. 257".
The reverse of the pendant is engraved with "Presented to P. G. R. David
P. Geer by Commercial Lodge 257 of Chicago for Meritorious Service, June
1895". Has copyright stamp also on rear. Excellent.
$50
31FR - FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES CONVENTION BADGE 1921
Top piece is faced with FOE logo flanked by spread wings, over
"INDIANA STATE AERIE". Red - white - blue ribbon drops from this to
pendant in shape of the state of Indiana, faced with "SOUTH BEND MAY
1921", state seal, American shield, ribband with "L.T.J.E." (we think
Liberty, Truth, Justice, Equality) and spread wing eagle at bottom.
Lacks pin back at top. Ribbon somewhat dull from dust. Rest
is excellent. Rear is stamped with "THE GUSTAVE FOX CO. MAKERS
CIN.O". $18
32FR - COLLECTION OF SIX FRATERNAL BADGES FROM THE MODERN
WOODMEN OF AMERICA Formed by Joseph Cullen Root
in 1883. The name alluded to the foresters who cleared the land to
build their communities. At the turn of the century, in addition
to its fraternal activities, the MWA was among the largest of the 188
fraternal insurance companies in the US. It has a long history of
fraternal benefits and still functions in a large way today. The
badges are two piece, of fairly heavy stamped brass, with a bar on top
in the form of half a log, suspending a large wedge. Overall
height is 4 1/8". Each of the six badges is personalized for a
different job title, put at top: SENTRY (in gilt); CONSUL, PAST CONSUL,
TRUSTEE, ESCORT, BANKER. The last five are silver colored.
The wedge pendant has on its face, heavily embossed letters MWA over the
American Shield, over small insignia shield all surrounded by several
leaves. Lettering/shield & insignia have full color, fired enamel
finish. The gold badge has the leaves enameled as well.
Fascinating group, probably early 20th Century. Excellent with
clasp on back of top bar. One is missing the pin part. This
price is our cost...$120
33FR - ODD FELLOWS "PNG" (PAST NOBLE GRAND) JEWEL
Hand engraved. Lovely fired enamel work. Two piece 2
1/2" tall. Top bar has T-Bar pin and clasp and on front, the three
chain links, enclosing the incised black enamel letters P.N.G.
Pendant has circular border with hand engraved embellishments around
star with lily and beehive. Appears to have a gold finish,
probably plate. C.1890. About mint condition. $35
34FR - LARGE & SHOWY I.O.O.F. PAST GRAND MASTER'S
BADGE Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Very old fraternal order existing in many countries before it was
organized in Baltimore in 1819, by Thomas Wildey & associates. The
badge has four parts, total 5" high. Top bar, ribbon, bottom bar,
and pendant. The top bar seems like gold washed brass, with raised
lettering "PAST GRAND". It has a clasp on back and ribbon bar.
This ribbon is red silk. The bottom bar is nearly identical to the
top bar, but has the 3-link chain symbol of the Odd Fellows, done in
silver plate. The bottom pendant is circular with scalloped edge,
with a ring of lettering around the edge reading "GRAND LODGE OF
VERMONT, I.O.O.F., INSTITUTED DEC. 29, 1847". Within the ring of
lettering are several lodge symbols around a silver washed star reading
"MUTUAL BELIEF / CHARITY, FRIENDSHIP, LOVE & TRUTH". Very fine
condition. Ribbon has tiny dirt spot at bottom. A vintage
badge and fine collector's specimen. $45
35FR - GEORGE WASHINGTON
PATRIOTIC, possibly "PATRIOTIC ORDER SONS OF AMERICA" FRATERNAL CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON Very handsome
button. Gold background. Bust portrait in full color, 1¼” in
diameter. About mint condition. $15
36FR - GEORGE WASHINGTON
PATRIOTIC, possibly "PATRIOTIC ORDER SONS OF AMERICA"
FRATERNAL CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON
Very handsome button. Gold background. Bust portrait in full color.
Given as premium to customers of “The Highland Bakery & Lunch”, whose
name wraps around the edge above George’s head. Button is good as
new. 1¼” in diameter. Inset label in reverse is for BASTIAN BROS.
CO. Rochester N.Y. $15
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