It was listed by Reindeer Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.
Reindeer Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
The Warden would approach members with the axe held flat like a tray and the square panel in the head of the axe was used for collecting money- rather like a collection basket in a church.
These axes seem to have been particularly associated with the Society of Odd Fellows, a charitable membership organisation that began in Britain but has attained particular prominence in America. Examples of Odd Fellows axes survive in several museum collections and in the collections of various Odd Fellows Lodeges worldwide.
With its sophisticated carved roundel or patera, our example is both a very early and very sophisticated example of this sort of item and is a fascinating piece of social history as well as an intriguing decorative item.
With thanks to Christopher Coles for the extensive research into this item.
Provenance
The collection of Algernon Rothman Esq., Winchester- a famous collector of Regency decorative arts. Sold in his single owner sale Christie's, London 5th October, 1995, Lot 489.
Reindeer Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Specialists in english antique furniture from the early seventeenth century to the early nineteenth century. Based on kensington church st.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Reindeer Antiques Profile Page
A Regency Period Ceremonial Mahogany Axe