When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
This is a premier piece of mid-century collegiate history: a beautifully preserved, authentic 1967 Alpha Delta Phi fraternity pledge paddle from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
For a collector of fraternal or academic memorabilia, this piece hits every high note. It is not a generic or crude homemade piece; it is an officially manufactured artifact stamped by the legendary Old Hickory Paddle Company of Danville, Indiana. Adding to its historical provenance, Miami University is known throughout Greek life circles as the famed "Mother of Fraternities," making any vintage mid-century piece from this campus a foundational addition to a collegiate collection.This paddle is in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting a warm, natural honey-amber patina on the hardwood grain. It remains completely structurally sound with no cracks, chips, or structural splits.
• The Crest (Front): Features a deeply stamped, crisp Alpha Delta Phi coat of arms. The shield retains its original, vibrant green and white enamel paint, which remains remarkably intact with minimal fading or flaking. The surrounding radiant star rays and the ribbon bearing the Latin motto "Manus Multae Cor Unum" are perfectly legible and sharply defined.
• The Inscription (Front): The base features clean, black block-engraved personalization reading "TO DING '67 FROM RON '66", neatly documenting a direct chapter connection between a mid-1960s pledge and brother.
• The University Stamp (Reverse): Features a beautifully branded Miami University official seal alongside the text "MIAMI UNIV." burned directly into the wood grain.
• The Maker's Mark (Handle): The top of the handle features the complete, circular burned trademark stamp for the Old Hickory Paddle Co. Danville, IN.
• The Hanger: Retains its original, authentic brown leather wrist strap threaded through the factory-drilled handle hole.
This is an exceptional, investment-grade piece of Greek life history that presents beautifully on a wall, in a library, or inside a dedicated historical display.
Sold As Is As Shown. No Returns.
