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1889 Knights of Pythias Presentation Brass Guidon Pole Topper. Fraternal
Inscribed as follows on one side of the central shaft: "Presented to Buehler Lodge No 269 KofP April 6th 1889".
Inscribed as follows on the other side of the central shaft: "By Vantelburg Lodge No 288 KofP". This side also has an etched image of the head of a falcon, the official bird of the KoP, representing vigilance.
Buehler Lodge No. 269 was located in Marysville, Pennsylvania, but is no longer active.
Vantelburg Lodge No. 288 is no longer active but appears to have been in the Pennsylvania/Ohio area and may have been named after the prominent local Vantilburg family, but the seller does not have any specific documentation of that origin.
The shape of the pole topper is a guidon topper, a guidon being a small rectangular or swallow-tailed flag carried by military units to show a specific branch, company, troop or platoon designation. These were carried during the Civil War and the date of the inscription on this piece makes it possible that this is a repurposed Civil War item. The surface condition of the brass is very good and not pitted so it's also possible that this was manufactured after the Civil War.
In excellent condition.
5 1/2 inches tall including integral threaded metal fitting on base (6 1/8 inches tall as shown on wood display stand)
3 15/16 inches across at widest point
