Help Identifying Fraternal Symbols on Carved Horn

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Kelly Graziano, Aug 15, 2026 at 7:35 PM.

  1. Kelly Graziano

    Kelly Graziano Active Member

    I purchased this in a thrift store in Palm Springs. It was brought in with quite a few
    native items. It measures 6.5".

    There is an eagle with four flags, one has 12 stars, one has 13, and the eagle has 4 arrows in its talons. There is an odd, triangular, shape that may be an Odd Fellows encampment tent, and there are two clasped hands with glory rays. One of the hands has six fingers. I'd love to know if these are symbols associated with a secret society or fraternal order.

    Any information is welcome. Thank you!

    Larger photos here: https://imgur.com/a/MZ9rhM6.
    IMG_8307 2.JPG IMG_8304 2.JPG IMG_8305 2.JPG IMG_8303 2.JPG IMG_8308 2.JPG IMG_8306 2.JPG
     
  2. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    I see 4 fingers & a thumb on the front hand in the fede symbol. There is a space between the forefinger & middle finger that kind of reads as another finger.

    Maybe commemorates a peace treaty between US government (13 stars) & a Native American confederation represented by 12 stars? The eagle carries arrows, but also a branch that is probably meant to be an olive branch, for peace. I'm just riffing here.
     
    Marote likes this.
  3. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    As you know, clasped hands can be another Odd Fellows symbol. What other types of items did it come in with? They might add context.

    Debora
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2026 at 8:18 PM
    Bronwen likes this.
  4. Kelly Graziano

    Kelly Graziano Active Member

    Great question! I saw two framed boxes containing arrowheads and a pipe. Apparently there was an object with hair and skin -- probably not a scalp, but... And there were native drawings. It was an interesting grouping.
     
    Bronwen likes this.
  5. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    And in what state was this in?

    Debora
     
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  6. Marote

    Marote Well-Known Member

    The image of the two hands embracing is sometimes used by Odd Fellows but it’s not exclusive to Odd Fellows. Many fraternal groups used that symbol. There are no other symbols that would indicate it was from the Odd Fellows. Their main symbol is the Three Links, three interlocking links of a chain. Without that main symbol it’s definitely not an Odd Fellows piece.

    And if you are now thinking 'wow, I never expected this guy to know such things about this subject', I can tell you that you were right not to expect that...
    I copied this answer from reddit :smuggrin:
     
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  7. Marote

    Marote Well-Known Member

    I think this
    upload_2026-8-16_3-30-48.png
    could also be a star, making it another total of 13 (visible) stars
     
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  8. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Can you go back and buy the remaining items ?
     
    Marote likes this.
  9. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

  10. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    the carving is nice enuf , for a talented amateur , but with no end caps , or hardware , or inscriptions , I can't venture a guess on when or where it was made.
    The cow horn looks old and weathered.......but I can't say any more with certainty..
     
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