Old Belt buckle..Looks real old to me

[WOOD GUY]

Greetings.....gotta Say That Is Probably The Neatest Oldest Belt Buckle Find I Have Seen So Far!!!!!!!! Lots Of History And A Story To Tell On That One.

[zaxfire69]

Originally Posted by WOOD GUY

Greetings.....gotta Say That Is Probably The Neatest Oldest Belt Buckle Find I Have Seen So Far!!!!!!!! Lots Of History And A Story To Tell On That One.

I have had this buckle with me all day while I have been at work. The history behind this buckle is what is killing me. I am one of those guys who must know the origins of something and this one has my head scratching. How this important buckle ended up where I found it. From researching today I have learned that the Independent order of odd fellows, patriarchs militant are similar to the Freemasons York Rite. Here is the wikipedia page talking about everything. I am telling you guys I feel like Indiana Jones. Like I found the Lost ark!!!
Independent Order of Odd Fellows - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[PAPPY]

You may want to contact these people in Winston Salem, N.C. and they can probably give you a great deal of insight on your buckle.

independent order of odd fellows belt buckle - Google Search

[laider11]

Hey I found this pic. The one on the right looks like yours.

[zaxfire69]

That is the one i found. Just like that one.

[Jazdo]

Nice find.. it's got beautiful detail!

[EPC Guy]

Absolutely an excellent find!

[Patriot]

Based upon the construction, as well as the hardware on the non excavated example pictured, I would say that yours dates around 1880 - 1890.

What a cool find! I actually prefer that dark "Ground dug" patina as opposed to all that shiny brass!

Chris

[Bryan Jon]

Sweet find indeed!!

[zaxfire69]

It is funny that you say that Patriot. You are right on the money I do believe. I have found 2 old maps of the location of an Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge in 1887 -around 1900 then the building is used for something else. No more lodge. So that alone is leaving me to believe they were here in the late 1800's . I am gonna research some more and see what else I can come up with.

You can see the IOOF hall right there in the middle of the map. Right off of Locust street. Still a good mile or so from where I found the buckle. But I at least knew the Independent order of Odd fellows were in my town. I do not think they have a lodge here anymore. Gonna have to call to see.