How to resist these, which feel like keys to the castle, or the kingdom, or at least entree into the upper ranks of a secret society?! The seller—a consistent source of wonderful old things, in New Hampshire—called them Masonic (he had also just put out several antique Knights of Templar garments) but I might think, based on the shape the heads, that they are specifically Odd Fellows, as those wide ovals sure look just like the shape of FLT rings to me. They are heavy, cast iron I believe, with mellowed old gold paint on them and a pretty medieval look about them! I could break them up and list individually, but I really love the look and drama of the ring of six, and think whoever holds them may assume the position of Grand Master, with the power to dole out other ranks of power as they see fit!
Keys measure 10 1/8" l x 3 1/2" w x 3/8" d each. Together weigh 6 lb. 12 oz. All in good condition, with a little surface greening here and there, minor. Earlyish 20th c. I would guess.
