Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes Medal
No man is at all times wise - "Nemo Mortalium Omnibus Horis Sapit".
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB or simply "buffs") is a British fraternal movement founded in 1822. Like all good British fraternal movements, it appears to operate with tongue firmly in cheek - poking fun at the Masons, the Druids, etc. Let's break down the name: "Royal", the use of the work Royal in any organisation or business requires a royal warrant from a reigning monarch... the Buffs don't have one and never have. The Seditious Meetings Act of 1817 affected gatherings of clubs throughout Britain, so the Buffs took named themselves "Royal" to show that they weren't subversive to the interest of the state. "Antediluvian" means before the time of the flood in the Bible... the Order seems to have adopted this decoration to justify a preposterous list of ancient members used in the old Initiation Ceremonies, and just give RAOB an impression of great antiquity. "Order of Buffaloes", no idea.
The Order is split into Lodges and members can obtain up to four levels of "learning" or "degrees". The Minor Lodges are structured along the lines of an "ancient" City, with titles such as "City Marshall", "City Treasurer", "City Minstrel" and "City Waiter". The somewhat controversial titles "Royal" and "antediluvian" were added in the 1850s.
This silver medal dates from the early 20th century, formed as a cross pattée. Per the inscription on the back it was:
"Presented by the Sir Harry Halsall Lodge to Brother James Foster for sick visitor, May 4th 1908"
The enamelled buffalo plaque to the front is remarkable.
Era: Edwardian, 1907
Size: 4.8cm (including bail) by 3.6cm
Hallmarks: English, Birmingham, Sterling Silver, 1907, H.S & Son Maker's Mark
Condition: Great antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
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Condition
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