I believe it's a hanger from a sword belt worn by a member of a fraternal order. It's not the same order, but this sword belt from the Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias will give you an idea of what I mean...
thanks guys I think you have nailed it, the lodge theory sounds right and the picture tells the tail. you were a lot of help you guys are sharp when it comes to this sort of thing. thanks again and happy hunting.