RARE Antique 19thC Fraternal Leather Coin Purse Wallet Odd Fellows ~ Free Masons For Sale

Up for sale is a captivating piece of late 19th-century history: an antique Victorian fraternal leather pocket coin purse. This folding multi-pocket wallet was designed for everyday pocket use or ceremonial wear within a fraternal lodge network (such as the Odd Fellows or Freemasons).The front flap is heavily ornamented with two applied brass symbols: a clasped handshake (the primary emblem of fellowship and mutual aid) and a flaming torch (representing truth and the pursuit of light). When paired with the clasped handshake on pieces like this pocket wallet, it carries layered meanings tied directly to lodge teachings:

• Enlightenment and Truth: The torch represents the pursuit of knowledge, intellect, and spiritual "light" guiding a person out of darkness and ignorance.
• Zelus and Duty: In many fraternal structures, it stands for zeal—a burning passion for doing good, practicing charity, and remaining fiercely dedicated to the community.
• The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF): While the three-chain link is their most recognizable logo, the flaming torch was heavily utilized across various higher degrees and encampments within the Odd Fellows and similar parallel fraternal orders of the 1800s to reinforce the core principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth.

When opened, the wallet expands into a beautifully engineered 4-pocket accordion design stitched with original heavy-gauge thread. The interior is lined with a vibrant, striking crimson red leather, providing a wonderful color contrast against the dark brown, heavily grained exterior hide.Condition Details (Please Read & See Photos):

• Exterior: The outer leather shows heavy, honest antique character, surface crackling, and localized scuffing/wear to the grain, giving it a true relic appearance.
• Interior: The red leather lining is intact but displays surface abrasion, flaking, and light pigment loss, particularly near the top fold lines (see detailed macro photos).
• Hardware & Function: The brass emblems have a rich, darkened unpolished patina. The closure features a classic spring-loaded brass push-button tongue clasp.

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