Hello CT Sleuths. This unexpected downtime has given me the opportunity to take another look at some puzzling pieces in my collection. I have had this one for at least a couple of years. It is one of those things I purchased because it was kind of neat looking and I liked it. When I purchased my dealer friend said it had also stumped him but that he expected it was a lead trial strike for a proposed medal. In my searches, I have been unable to locate any actual medals struck. The only reference I have found is: https://books.google.com/books/cont...zyMYCwvGRDAr6_-pywew&ci=96,777,749,502&edge=0 It is from a book called Landmarks of Orleans County, New York. It was published in 1894. I keep re-reading the passage from the link but it still doesn't make sense to me. So, it killed my assumption that this had something to do with New Orleans, although my head still wants to go there.
This might be related to the "Independent Order of Odd Fellows," due to the triple link chain at the bottom. They also go by the initials "I.O.O.F." From wikipedia: "The order is also known as the Triple Link Fraternity, referring to the order's "Triple Links" symbol, alluding to its motto "Friendship, Love and Truth" And this link references "Encampment" as a high order of the Odd Fellows. Some of the symbolism on that page looks similar to the medal. This link seems to have a reference to Encampment 28. The Odd Fellows produced medals, here's one from 1840 on Ebay. The medal above may have been part of a similar presentation originally.
Hard to say maybe a Military encampment, It looks like a hammered token, maybe a board soldier with a bunch of 50 caliber lead shot balls. forget the title it is about the migration of new americans and how these small encampments helped conquer the territory's short read. https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/14/...t-unlike-our-forefathers-whole-strategic.html
You nailed it. @ewomack I would have never gone that direction. I find similar symbolism all over there web site.
Yep, Odd Fellows medal. My first guess Orleans County just northeast of Buffalo NY. Very active in that area years ago
