Country Living Appraises Late-19th-And Early-20th Century Odd Fellows Banners (PHOTO)

Why You Shouldn't Throw Away The Stuff You Inherit

We're very excited to syndicate one of our favorite columns, 'What Is It? What Is It Worth?' from one of our favorite magazines, Country Living. All text and images below are provided by Country Living. Get ready to be surprised!

"I inherited these wall hanging from a relative. Are they valuable?" — F.C., Dallas.

what its worth

Late-19th-And Early-20th Century Odd Fellows Banners

Professional appraiser Helaine Fendelman identifies and evaluates your collectibles and antiques.

WHAT IS IT?

Your silk flags once decorated a lodge belonging to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, an international fraternal organization established in England during the 1740s. While it's impossible to say who made either banner, machine embroidery on the blue-gray one suggests that it was fabricated between 1915 and 1930; the cream-colored pennant is hand-painted, hinting at a date closer to the 1880s or '90s. The imagery on both symbolizes universal values and experiences: For example, the heart on an outstretched palm stands for charity; the three entwined gold links represent friendship, love and truth; and the skull and crossbones connotes mortality. Still in good condition, your tasseled pair earns a respectable estimate.

What's It Worth: $300 each

Also check out on CountryLiving.com:

Click through our slideshow to see other fabulous vintage finds from Country Living.

A 1950s Mickey Mouse Toy

What Is It? What Is It Worth?

Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.
**
Do you have a home story idea or tip? Email us at homesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE