American, circa 1880
White pine, original painted decoration
In a very fine state of preservation.
Unlike this pair, most ceremonial staffs from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows were more literal in style, factory made in metal and wood, and sold through large American regalia houses. This rare pair is notable for the true individuality of the artist’s rendition of the hands in a simplified folk style, evident in the overall glove-like shape of the hands, flat wide-spread fingers, and palette. For these reasons and their superb condition, this pair of staffs ranks as a best of kind.
The heart and hand symbol is widely recognized for its association with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The heart and hand incorporates values of candor, frankness, and sincerity, as well as the lesson that “whatever the hand finds to do, the heart should go forth in wisdom.” It features in the ritual teachings for the Second, or Love degree, and when mounted on a staff, was carried by the Conductor as he led initiates and visitors around the lodge. It was also used as the symbol of the past Grand. Most regalia catalogs show this type of staff in the official gesture of an open hand, the fingers and thumb pointing up. A few catalogs show the less common gesture of the thumb folded horizontally across the palm. This is described in some nineteenth century sources as the first phase of the three-part secret Odd Fellows countersign.
American, circa 1880
White pine, original painted decoration
In a very fine state of preservation.
Unlike this pair, most ceremonial staffs from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows were more literal in style, factory made in metal and wood, and sold through large American regalia houses. This rare pair is notable for the true individuality of the artist’s rendition of the hands in a simplified folk style, evident in the overall glove-like shape of the hands, flat wide-spread fingers, and palette. For these reasons and their superb condition, this pair of staffs ranks as a best of kind.
The heart and hand symbol is widely recognized for its association with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The heart and hand incorporates values of candor, frankness, and sincerity, as well as the lesson that “whatever the hand finds to do, the heart should go forth in wisdom.” It features in the ritual teachings for the Second, or Love degree, and when mounted on a staff, was carried by the Conductor as he led initiates and visitors around the lodge. It was also used as the symbol of the past Grand. Most regalia catalogs show this type of staff in the official gesture of an open hand, the fingers and thumb pointing up. A few catalogs show the less common gesture of the thumb folded horizontally across the palm. This is described in some nineteenth century sources as the first phase of the three-part secret Odd Fellows countersign.
Millerite gentleman with crossed arms
American, possibly New York State, circa 1840
Millerite gentleman with crossed arms
American, possibly New York State, circa 1840
Hanging wall box
Probably Maine, circa 1790-1820
Hanging wall box
Probably Maine, circa 1790-1820
King Philip of The Wampanoag
Probably Medfield, Massachusetts, circa 1840
King Philip of The Wampanoag
Probably Medfield, Massachusetts, circa 1840
Pair of tulip hinges
Southeastern Pennsylvania, circa 1770
Pair of tulip hinges
Southeastern Pennsylvania, circa 1770
POSSIBLY JOHN M. DINES
Extraordinary Centaur with Spear
Utica, New York, circa 1860
POSSIBLY JOHN M. DINES
Extraordinary Centaur with Spear
Utica, New York, circa 1860
Recumbent lion
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, circa 1830
Recumbent lion
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, circa 1830
SAMUEL A. ROBB
Santa Claus, made as a present for his daughter Elizabeth
New York City, 1923
SAMUEL A. ROBB
Santa Claus, made as a present for his daughter Elizabeth
New York City, 1923
Trumpeting angel weathervane
American, circa 1820
Trumpeting angel weathervane
American, circa 1820
WILHELM SCHIMMEL
Eagle
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, circa 1880
WILHELM SCHIMMEL
Eagle
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, circa 1880
Pair of Independent Order of Odd Fellows staffs
American, circa 1880
White pine, original painted decoration
In a very fine state of preservation.
Unlike this pair, most ceremonial staffs from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows were more literal in style, factory made in metal and wood, and sold through large American regalia houses. This rare pair is notable for the true individuality of the artist’s rendition of the hands in a simplified folk style, evident in the overall glove-like shape of the hands, flat wide-spread fingers, and palette. For these reasons and their superb condition, this pair of staffs ranks as a best of kind.
The heart and hand symbol is widely recognized for its association with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The heart and hand incorporates values of candor, frankness, and sincerity, as well as the lesson that “whatever the hand finds to do, the heart should go forth in wisdom.” It features in the ritual teachings for the Second, or Love degree, and when mounted on a staff, was carried by the Conductor as he led initiates and visitors around the lodge. It was also used as the symbol of the past Grand. Most regalia catalogs show this type of staff in the official gesture of an open hand, the fingers and thumb pointing up. A few catalogs show the less common gesture of the thumb folded horizontally across the palm. This is described in some nineteenth century sources as the first phase of the three-part secret Odd Fellows countersign.
Pair of Independent Order of Odd Fellows staffs
American, circa 1880
White pine, original painted decoration
In a very fine state of preservation.
Unlike this pair, most ceremonial staffs from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows were more literal in style, factory made in metal and wood, and sold through large American regalia houses. This rare pair is notable for the true individuality of the artist’s rendition of the hands in a simplified folk style, evident in the overall glove-like shape of the hands, flat wide-spread fingers, and palette. For these reasons and their superb condition, this pair of staffs ranks as a best of kind.
The heart and hand symbol is widely recognized for its association with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The heart and hand incorporates values of candor, frankness, and sincerity, as well as the lesson that “whatever the hand finds to do, the heart should go forth in wisdom.” It features in the ritual teachings for the Second, or Love degree, and when mounted on a staff, was carried by the Conductor as he led initiates and visitors around the lodge. It was also used as the symbol of the past Grand. Most regalia catalogs show this type of staff in the official gesture of an open hand, the fingers and thumb pointing up. A few catalogs show the less common gesture of the thumb folded horizontally across the palm. This is described in some nineteenth century sources as the first phase of the three-part secret Odd Fellows countersign.
ATTRIBUTED TO CHARLES DOWLER
Race track tout trade figure
Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1880
ATTRIBUTED TO CHARLES DOWLER
Race track tout trade figure
Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1880
J. HOWARD & COMPANY
Flying horse weathervane
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, circa 1855
J. HOWARD & COMPANY
Flying horse weathervane
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, circa 1855
George Washington bird house
Pennsylvania, circa 1800
George Washington bird house
Pennsylvania, circa 1800
FREDERICK MYRICK
Engraved sperm whale tooth
Made aboard the whale ship “Susan,” March 4, 1829
FREDERICK MYRICK
Engraved sperm whale tooth
Made aboard the whale ship “Susan,” March 4, 1829
HENRY N. SPENCER
Eagle wall plaque
Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1830
HENRY N. SPENCER
Eagle wall plaque
Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1830