I.O.O.F. Finds for today, plus maybe a carbine buckle??

[zaxfire69]

Man what a fun hunt. Took both machines. Used them both. First went to a spot that I have hunted and dug some wheats and a couple rings. Didn't do good there. Then i went to the field where I found all my I.O.O.F. buckles and big shield. Well now I have an awesome button to add to my I.O.O.F. collection. Button was about 6 inches down under a root It tried to escape me. I wouldn't let it. I got it home and washed it up and gave out a huge hurray....I have quite the I.O.O.F. collection going on here. Well also dug some odds and ends. Makeup case that still opens. Hinge is broke. Also dug what looks like a Carbine sling buckle. I will have to research it a bit more. Not sure. Found the all brass belt buckle as well. If any of you can Id some of the finds feel free. Thanks hope everyone is having a great day. zaxfire69
P.S. If anyone can date the years McLilley & Co Columbus O buttons were made that would be great. I am trying to put a date with all these I.O.O.F. Finds. Thanks

I.O.O.F. Patriarchs Militant button

Back of Button: Mclilley & Co Columbus O backmark

Possible sling buckle

 

[STH69]

nice find

 

[Likely Guy]

Your 'shield' and I.O.O.F symbology:

"The symbols in use in the lodges for the purpose of imparting
instruction are: the All-Seeing Eye, representing the omniscience of God;
the Skull and Cross Bones, a reminder of mortality; the Three Links,
representing Friendship, Love, and Truth; the Scythe, denoting man's fading
character; the Bow and Arrow and Quiver, designating the feeling of mutual
defense to be cultivated; the Bundle of Rods, emblem of strength in union;
the Heart and Hand, incentives to love and mercy; the Globe, man's earthly
home; the Ark of the Covenant, the repository of God's grace and His
goodness to man; the Serpent, teaching the wisdom of prudence; the Scales
and Sword, emblematic of justice; the Bible, the source of truth; the
Hour-glass, the flight of time; and the Coffin, emblematic of death.
The emblems in use in the Encampment and Patriarchs Militant are as
follows; the Three Pillars, representative of Faith, Hope, and Charity; the
Tent, hospitality; the Altar of Sacrifice, reminder of the simple worship
offered by the Patriarchs; the Tables of Stone, the Ten Commandments; the
Pilgrim's Scrip, Sandals, and Staff, representing the journey of life; the
Crown, the Patriarch's power and dignity; and the Shepherd's Crook and
Warrior's Sword, defense of the helpless."

Source: http://www.bklyn-genealogy-info.com/Society/Odd.Fellows.history.html

The Good Samaritan (lower left) I think, indicates a link to the Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (AMOS) which is not an officially recognized body within Odd Fellowship but more like a private charitable club to which only Odd Fellows may belong.

Something leads me to believe that your shield was some sort of funerary item or gravemarker that may have been used as a flag holder.

See: http://www.joycetice.com/flaghold/flag063.htm

Zaxfire, could you post a photo of the back of the shield?

 

[allen]

that is a cool button...

 

[myfantasia1]

Likely Guy amazing work, And those are very nice finds.

 

[zaxfire69]

Here is the back of the shield. I have researched the symbols as well. Emailed the Grand Lodge of the I.O.O.F. The elders there said that the items pre dated any of there members. Even the old timers had never seen anything like this. I know what the Belt buckle and the Button are, but the shield still has me puzzled.

P.S. The shield is also on the back of the Belt buckle. Indiana Jones type stuff...

 

[Gunny71]

Awesome finds. I have never heard of the IOOF before, thanks for giving me something new to research and learn about.

 

[zaxfire69]

Sure thing Gunny. I didn't know about them either untill I started finding these artifacts. The last documented lodge I have found in my town was around 1896. All that are left in Natchez now are the Masons.

 

[crazyjarhead]

Nice finds ZF