Proof that with Friendship, Love, & Truth... You Will Get There! :)

Broadstruck · January 8, 2014 6:55AM

This newp just arrived... Enjoy!

1895 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Philadelphia, Copper, 25mm Diameter

A I.O.O.F. pictorial medalet with the obverse featuring a well dressed man blindfolded lost riding a goat. The reverse features the all-seeing eye, (also called the eye of providence, or eye of God) three links to symbolize a chain of friendship, love, and truth bound together, and a open hand reaching out with the heart in unison. These are usually always seen in low grades, abused, or corroded and holed at the top for suspension. The example here is fully proof-like on both the obverse and reverse, red copper as struck with some red and blue patina obtained from storage.

epcjimi1 · January 8, 2014 7:08AM

Nice.

There was an Int. Org. of Odd Fellows building in town when I was a kid. Always wondered what that was all about.

Broadstruck · January 8, 2014 7:51AM

<< <i>Nice.

There was an Int. Org. of Odd Fellows building in town when I was a kid. Always wondered what that was all about. >>

Thanks!

I dated a women about 15 years ago who's father was a odd fellow (and a odd fellow) who wanted to sponsor me for membership and intrigued myself I attended a lodge meeting with him. I felt the organization as a whole did some great stuff for the community, however the whole ceremonial portion was far too nerdy to add to my geek resume as a single male in his late 20's. I have however always liked this fraternities all seeing eye symbol.

lostincoins · January 8, 2014 8:00AM

Broadstruck that is a very nice piece.

coinsarefun · January 8, 2014 8:18AM

I know why the goat is bucking and running wild, as that boy is blindfolded and perhaps
stuck something in the wrong place

epcjimi1 · January 8, 2014 8:32AM

"This is a wooden hand from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Heart in Hand is a symbol of charity. It refers to the help which an Odd Fellow gives to a brother in need, and the spirit in which help is to be given. The hand of a true Odd Fellow should always be open to the needs of other members of the order."

Text

Broadstruck · January 8, 2014 8:33AM

<< <i>I know why the goat is bucking and running wild, as that boy is blindfolded and perhaps
stuck something in the wrong place

>>

His parents might only have been able to afford a goat for pin the tail on the donkey

Editted to add: I had to check if pin the tail on the donkey was done blindfolded? As the only time I played this was at a birthday party I was invited to at Burger King when I was 9... They just spun us around without and I couldn't figure out what the challenge was?

SeattleSlammer · January 8, 2014 8:43AM

How can you not dig that subject line!?
Cool piece.

Broadstruck · January 8, 2014 9:11AM

<< <i>How can you not dig that subject line!?
Cool piece.

>>

Thanks SS, The title was a toss up between that and Men Who Stare at Goats

Justlooking · January 8, 2014 3:39PM

Yeah, but where do you find friendship, love and truth these days?

pruebas · January 8, 2014 4:26PM

Cool piece. Love that reverse font. Classic 1890s.

cwt · January 8, 2014 9:39PM

There is also an IOOF Civil War token. Here is a photo of one from dealer Steve Hayden's site:

coinsarefun · January 8, 2014 11:39PM

Thanks for posting that one cwt. I was trying to remember which token I saw that on

ricko · January 9, 2014 12:21AM

Interesting token.... There was an IOOF building here in town where I grew up as well.... the second/third floors were their meeting rooms. Long since abandoned by the IOOF.... seems to be a defunct organization, at least here. Cheers, RickO

Broadstruck · January 9, 2014 1:28AM

Thanks everyone!

epcjimi1, thanks for posting info on the hand, but I felt a bit emasculated once your link guided me to Pinterest!

cwt, I'm aware of that civil war era IOOF token and actually like it as it's on a larger diameter sized planchet... I'm now curious what the bow and arrows symbolize?