Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1453:
Description
This is an excellent collection of memorabilia from the Improved Order of Red Men (I.O.R.M.), one of America’s oldest fraternal organizations, known for its ceremonies and structure based on romanticized Native American culture. The lot includes a large, impressive lithographed membership certificate titled “The Trail” which is richly illustrated with scenes of Native American life and I.O.R.M. virtues—”Freedom, Friendship & Charity”—surrounding a central globe. The certificate shows significant age-toning, fold lines, and edge wear, consistent with a vintage paper item of this size that was likely rolled or folded for storage. Also included are three distinctive I.O.R.M. badges/ribbons: one red silk ribbon for “Els-Kwa-Ta-Wa Tribe, No. 261, Apalachin, N.Y.” with a gilded metal top bar and bronze fringe. The silk ribbon suspending the image of an indian on a disc has shattered. Present and complete, but damaged from age. There is a second red and green ribbon for a “Representative” (likely to a Grand Council or “Great Council”) at the “Gross Stamm California” meeting in 1924, and a small pin badge with a portrait of an Indigenous Chief labeled “Secret Word Badge.” The ribbons and badges are in good to very good vintage condition; the fabric on the Els-Kwa-Ta-Wa ribbon is somewhat faded and frayed at the top, and the metal elements on all pieces show some patina and age, but the embroidery and printed images are generally intact. The three ribbons measure: , , and . The entire group represents key elements of the I.O.R.M. from the late 19th/early 20th century. Certificate measures 21“ x 25.5“. Ribbons measure 3“ x 9“, 2.25“ x 4.75“, and .75” x 2.5”
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