FINE AMERICAN SECRET SOCIETY SWORD C.1880
The Odd Fellows, founded in England in the 18th century, was a secret society which promoted brotherhood and good will among its members. It is thought that the name referenced skilled workers in fields outside the organized guilds and thus outsiders to the main workers community. This sword is a fine example, beautifully finished and lavishly overlaid in pure gold, nearly all of which remains in bright presentation. The 28” blade, in virtually as new condition, is decorated with gilt foliate panels with King David Encampment No. 42 Fitchburg Mass. and the owner’s name. Maker’s name f t Littlefield Portland Maine the ricasso. The whole is as fine a preservation as can be found for the period. The owner’s name, C M Flinh, which we ordinarily do not list, is of such rarity as to beg for further research. Exhaustive search by AI reveals a single Flinh family in Maine in 1880. As information on the internet evolves, it is likely that further details of the family and this sword’s owner will become available. That aside, it is as fine a sword of the period as can be found. If it were a military sword, it would command a price in the $3000-4000 range.