Everything You Need to Know About Odd Fellows Collectibles
Since at least 1730 the International of Odd Fellows (IOOF) has produced and inspired a bounty of collectible memorabilia. This guide will help you sort through all the Odd Fellows collectibles available on eBay to find the ones that suit you most.
What types of Odd Fellows collectibles are available on eBay?One type of Odd Fellows collectible is Odd Fellow hoodwinks, or the leather masks used to blindfold new initiates. The range of types of collectible Odd Fellows memorabilia is extensive, including:
- Finery and regalia - Such as robes, pins, brooches, collars, masks, and rings
- Ceremonial tools, weaponry and armor - Such as daggers, scabbards, helmets, and blocks and gavels
- Decorative accessories and textiles - Such as ribbons, banners, and badges
- Literature and other printed matter - Such as books, constitutional bylaws, event programs and tickets, and ballot boxes
Odd Fellows collectibles include items made for women as well as men's and unisex items. This is because in 1851 the IOOF instituted the "Beautiful Rebekah Decree" making it the first US fraternity to allow women to join. Odd Fellows memorabilia often bear one of more of the symbols and signs the order has adopted. These include the triple links, which sometimes contain the letters F, L, and T to represent Friendship, Love, and Truth. In fact, on many Odd Fellows collectibles, you'll see the acronym FLT. Another symbol commonly appearing on Odd Fellows regalia for sale like an IOOF ring is the all-seeing eye, a symbol also used by the Masons. Other signs and symbols appearing on Odd Fellows badges and other collectible IOOF memorabilia include:
- Open hand with heart in palm
- Ancient Middle Eastern-style tens
- Two Shepherd's hooks crossed
- Skull and crossbones
- Crescent moon and five-pointed star
Among the many Odd Fellows collectibles you'll find on eBay are several worth noting for their rarity and uniqueness, including:
- 14k gold antique IOOF 1923 50-year Fraternal Medal pin
- 1875 Odd Fellows Rebekah lithograph by J. Hale Powers and Co.
- 10k Odd Fellows ring with ruby glass IOOF FLT insignia
- 1910 Odd Fellows pewter Boone Lodge No. 1 trophy cup
- 1892 Odd Fellows Analytical Compilation of Patriarchs Militant Regulations and Army Register book of IOOF regulations, rules, ceremonial procedures, and military rosters
- Victorian-era Odd Fellows "Three Links" match safe vesta case
- Jeweled and embroidered 1800s velvet and fur-lined King robe and cape