1874 American Folk Art Frame Hand Carved Symbols Fraternal Order Odd Fellows Ioof

A very impressive and large folk art frame with hand carved and decorated symbols related to Odd Fellows imagery. Frame holds an antique Odd Fellows print which this frame must have been made to house. They seem to be contemporary to each other which dates this frame to the mid 1870s. For the most part, different wood stains are used to color the symbols, some silver and black paint is also used, the top of the tent has a light coating of German style glass glitter in what appears to be clear glass glitter over white paint (this finish has darkened/ dirtied with age), some cloth soutache trim is wrapped around the bundle of sticks at the upper edge of the right side. Overall frame size is approx 31 1/8“ wide x 42 1/4“ high, sight size is 24 3/4“ x 31“.

Generally, in relation to the age, the condition is very good with signs of light wear and use, even patina on surfaces, the bottom portion of one of the crossed staffs is missing (see photos). This has some other wear and damage like a scratch across the hour glass and some loss and damage to the tiny sticks in the symbol that says “FEB”. Several scattered small chips and missing bits of finish off of the thin raised border detail. The globe at the right side of the lower edge has a glob of white paint on it. Some wear and damage to the wood at the back edges where it meets the wall. Other than the mentioned damage and wear, this has other light signs of wear, some isolated areas of light to moderate wear and loss to finishes. It has an overall patina commiserate with age. It has a few small chips here and there out of the wood/ symbols. Even with the damage mentioned, this is in remarkable shape considering the age and intricacy of the decorations and aside from the missing bit of staff, it presents as in very good condition.

Frames like this are rare to find, this is by far the largest and most heavily decorated I’ve seen of folk art Odd Fellows themed frames. Restoration of the frame isn’t necessary, but having it done right should be well worth having done.

The print is very detailed and is dated 1874, it was published by Ed Weiss of Chicago. The print has tons of text worked into the design. The paper of the print has darkened with age. About the bottom 10” of the print has some water staining and damage (see photos). I have only been able to find another example of this print in the Library of Congress archives.