Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

8 Independent Order of Odd Fellows Collars with 9 black drawstring bags, small suitcase, Wildey Lodge, #21, S. Weymouth, MA
1906-40 (likely)
Harding Regalia Company
USA: Massachusetts, Boston
Metal, silver, synthetic fiber, cotton (a, c, e, g, i, o, p, q); cotton, paper, synthetic fabric, ink (d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n); paper, cotton, metal, leather, paint, ink (r)
22"h x 3-1/2"w x 1-1/2"d (a, c, e, g, i, o, p, q); 10"h x 5-1/2"w x 1/2"d (d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n); 4"h x 11-1/2"w x 10-1/2"d (r)
Gift of James J. Bennette
2017.034.18a-r

8 Independent Order of Odd Fellows Collars with 9 black drawstring bags, small suitcase, Wildey Lodge, #21, S. Weymouth, MA. OBVERSE of a, c, e, g, i, o, p, q: Collar features silver-colored metal chain (possibly silver-plated nickel) sewn with red thread (likely cotton) onto double-sided strip of red velvet (possibly synthetic). Velvet strip gathered at points where chain links are, and sewn together at either end. Each chain link has oval shape, except for top and bottom links, which have circular shape; all feature cast design with decorative pattern on outer ring and symbol in center with empty space between. From bottom to top center of collar, oval-shaped links contain symbols that are the same up both sides: IOOF three-link chain; upright hand with a heart in its palm; hourglass; bow and quiver; bundle of sticks; IOOF three-link chain (again); open bible; all-seeing eye with radiating rays; beehive. Circular links at top and bottom feature ten-point star. Each collar features a different cast jewel (likely silver) at bottom [described below] with a three-link IOOF symbol soldered at top. Each jewel hangs from o-ring suspended from round eyelet at bottom of central collar link, and connected to small round eyelet at top. REVERSE of a, c, e, g, i, o, p, q: All collar backings made of smooth red velvet that is continuous with front and feature white rectangular label (likely synthetic) sewn across seam at top of collar with red thread, bearing embroidered black text, "HARDING / REGALIA CO. / 30 FRANKLIN ST. / BOSTON". No markings on back of jewel. a: Collar - hourglass jewel (Grand Warden) c: Collar - crossed swords jewel (Grand Herald) e: Collar - crossed quills (Grand Recording Secretary) g: Collar - crossed keys (Grand Treasurer) i: Collar - crossed batons (Grand Marshall) o: Collar - open ledger book with crossed quills overlaid jewel (likely Grand Financial Secretary) p: Collar -open bible over lute-shaped background with IOOF three-link chain at bottom jewel (likely Grand Chaplain) q: Collar - crossed swords jewel (possibly Grand Herald) b: Rectangular black cotton (likely) drawstring bag (missing drawstring) features short slit along side at opening end and black cotton thread along hems and seams; small rectangular sticker on front features angled corners and two stripes around outside, outer one wide and inner one narrow, with "D.D. / Grand / Warden" handwritten in black ink in center. Sewn into inside top corner of opening with black cotton thread is white rectangular label (likely synthetic) featuring embroidered black text, "HARDING / REGALIA CO. / 30 FRANKLIN ST. / BOSTON". d: Same description as for item b, except black cotton drawstring intact and sticker reads "D.D. / Grand / Herald.". f: Same description as for item b, except black cotton drawstring intact and sticker reads "D.D. / Grand. / Rec. Secr.". h: Same description as for item b, except black cotton drawstring intact and sticker reads "D.D. / Grand. / Treasurer". j: Same description as for item b, except black cotton drawstring intact and sticker reads "D.D. / Grand / Marshall". k: Same description as for item b, except sticker reads "D.D. / Grand. / Master". l: Same description as for item b, except black cotton drawstring intact and sticker reads "D.D. / Grand / Fin. Sec". m: Same description as for item b, except sticker reads "D.D. / Grand / Guardian". n: Same description as for item b, except sticker reads "D.D. / Grand / Chaplain". r: Suitcase has black lacquered cloth cover and gold-colored metal hardware (likely brass). Handle, on lower side of suitcase, features paper wrapped around metal bar and covered with black leather with seam on top side; gold-colored metal tabs with D-rings affix it to suitcase. Metal spring clasps on either side of handle. Inside lined with paper featuring blue floral pattern over black & white background. Red & white sticker: "Wildey. Lodge / #21 I.O.O.F / So Weymouth / Mass".