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Vintage IBPOEW (Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World) purple felt fez from Armistice Lodge No. 448, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
This is a named member’s hat for Samuel H. Mynatt, with “S.H. MYNATT” in rhinestones on the reverse and a matching nameplate on the original black zippered carrying case.
Hat details:
• Purple wool felt fez
• Rhinestone lettering: ARMISTICE LODGE / NO. 448 / CHATTANOOGA, TN
• Large jeweled elk head emblem at center
• Member name on the back
• Excellent condition — felt is clean and firm, rhinestones intact, no holes, no moth damage, no odor
Also included:
1. Original custom black zippered hat case with “SAMUEL H. MYNATT” nameplate
2. Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges, IBPOEW, revised 1922 with amendments listed through the early 1950s (Robert H. Johnson, Grand Exalted Ruler)
3. Lectures booklet, I.B.P.O.E. of W., issued under Grand Exalted Ruler Hobson R. Reynolds, Philadelphia
The IBPOEW was founded in 1898 as the African American counterpart to the BPOE after Black men were excluded from the white Elks. These named, lodge-specific fezzes with original case and ritual books are harder to find than generic hats.
Please review all photos. Sold as a complete set. No size tag visible; measure from photos if needed. Ships promptly, packed in the original case plus extra protection.
