The Ring

Location:
The UFO Team is not sure where this particular item came from, but we have been able to determine who the previous owner was. We are also able to determine, based on the engravings, that it was yet another item from the International Order of Oddfellows.

Description:
The ring is housed in a small, white box. The box is held together in some places by what looks like white medical tape. The top of the box has a label from the jewelry store.

The ring is small and gold in color. The top is engraved with the initials of the owner as well as the triple rings indicative of the Oddfellows. There is also a number engraved that appears to be the lodge number. The ring is cracked all the way through one of the bands and does not connect at the bottom. This gives the impression it was a pinky ring.

Unique Marks:
The box has a printed label that says "L Smith, Jeweler, Lexington, Nebr."

The ring is engraved on the top with the initials "CBR" and the number "274." The three interlocking rings of the Oddfellows is also engraved.

The band bears the markings of "ESENC" on one side and "10K" on the other.

History:
The previous owner (1908-1995) was an active member of the International Order of Oddfellows. The significance of the ring is unknown. The Oconto, Nebraska lodge was number 319 at one point, but the previous owner was a known member of lodge number 91 based in Dawson [presumably Dawson County or the city of Lexington] Nebraska.

Photos:








References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.

UFO Jewelry

Location:
In addition to some previous Fraternal Order of Oddfellows items we have found in the past, we stumbled upon these two items as well. A charm pendent and a small ring. Both are intriguing as the Oddfellows (and other fraternal organizations) appear to have produced an abundant supply of jewelry, badges, and ribbons.

Description:
The charm is small, round, and gold in color. It has a small hole to hang from a pendant at the top. The center contains a raised pattern of three interlocking rings of white, blue, and red (from top to bottom respectively). Inside these rings are the letters "F," "L," and "T" (from top to bottom again). Between the raised pattern in the middle and the raised, coin-like edge is a ray pattern or ridges and valleys emanating from the middle to the outside edge. The reverse has the same design.

The ring is very small and silver in color. The edging and the setting have small inscribed patterns decorating the edges. The setting has a small, deep red stone with an emerald style cut. The center of the stone is decorated with three interlocking silver rings.

Unique Marks:
The interlocking rings are indicative of the International Order of Oddfellows.

History:
Unknown at this time.

Photos:








References:
- International Order of Oddfellows retrieved on May 9, 2008 from http://www.ioof.org/.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.

Jewelry Box

Location:
This UFO was last seen in the bottom of the sock drawer. Or the underwear drawer. Seeing as both potential locations bear a striking resemblance, the UFO Team was unable to determine exactly which location it came from. After countless hours of research, we have been able to discover the previous owner.

Description:
The item is square with a hinged lid. The exterior is covered in a polyester-like material that has a slight metallic shimmer to it. The exterior is also labeled with the previous owner's name on a standard label maker label. The interior has a silk-like fabric lining the top and a felt covered cardboard material in the bottom. Attached to the bottom are two pins.

The left pin is round with a base color of brass. The pin has a crescent shaped moon with two circles and two stars inside the moon. [Assuming the moon is at the bottom of the pin, the right most point of the moon is connected to a flower. At the top of the pin is a green, red, and blue design of unknown origin. The green area looks like a letter "T" that flares out at the bottom in both directions. There is a red circle on the left and a blue line in the middle. Between the green "T" and the moon is some sort of ribbon design.] After further research, it was discovered that this pin was a Rebekah lapel pin. The crescent moon is actually on the right side and the green "T" is actually a green "R."

The right pin is round and bears the words "PAST GRAND" in an arch across the top. At the bottom, between the "P" in PAST and the "D" in GRAND are three interlocking circles. From left to right, each circle is filled with a different color, red, white, and blue respectively. In the middle of the pin is a five pointed star filled with white.

Unique Marks:
The exterior of the box is labeled with the name "CLAUD RICHARD," the previous owner. Inside, the right pin is marked "PAST GRAND."

History:
The right pin inside is labeled as "PAST GRAND" and bears one of the emblems of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). You can gather some history about the Order from their website. You can also read the article below about the previous owner obtaining the rank of Noble Grand.

Photos:







References:
- International Order of Odd Fellows, Retrieved on November 29, 2007 from http://www.ioof.org/odd_fellow_jewels.htm
- International Order of Odd Fellows, Retrieved on November 29, 2007 from http://www.ioof.org/history.htm
- Phoenix Masonry, Retrieved on November 29, 2007 from http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/ioof_rebekah_jewels.htm
- Dawson County Herald, Installation By Rebekahs And Odd Fellows, January 22, 1973, Page 6.