Odd Fellow Decorated Box
This box is detailed in Odd
Fellow Lodge symbolism. Freemasonry enjoyed nearly a century in North
America without competition. But in 1819, the first American Lodge of
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in Baltimore.
Another English import, Odd Fellowship was similar to Masonry in its design,
and likewise drew members eager for camaraderie and moral self improvement.
The Odd Fellows' most familiar symbol--three oval links--represented
friendship, love, and truth. The inlay on the above box appears to be
bone or ivory but actually is a cut out section filled with an ivory colored
substance like gesso. The top "scratch art" or drawn in areas are executed in
minute detail. It measures 9" wide by 12" long by 6" tall and is dated
1864.
A special "Thanks"
from Brother Al Lohman, a 30 year collector and 30+ year Masonic Lodge member
from Wisconsin. Al trades on eBay under the User ID "lochlohman"
