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This item is an antique Knights of Pythias cast iron horseshoe plaque, which was manufactured as a decorative wall hanging and fraternal emblem.
• Fraternal Order: Knights of Pythias (a secret society and fraternal organization founded in Washington, D.C. in 1864).
• Design Features:
• The center shield features prominent symbols of the order, including an inverted triangle stamped with "F C B"—which stands for their core principles: Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence.
• Other quadrants of the shield depict historical Pythian motifs, including a skull and crossbones, crossed swords, and a knight's helmet resting above the shield.
• A banner on the left side of the horseshoe is stamped with "K. of P." (Knights of Pythias).
• The entire horseshoe structure is topped with a decorative spread-wing American Eagle perched on a crossbar.
• Material & Build: Heavily cast iron with remnants of an old white and gold paint wash. The flat, open back is typical for these castings, which were occasionally also used as hearth trivets.
This piece dates back to the late 19th Century to early 20th Century (circa 1880–1910).
Please view photos for details.
