Vintage RAOB Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes Collar Kangaroo Emblem For Sale

This exceptional collar belongs to the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB), a prominent fraternal organisation founded in England in 1822, known for its charitable works and motto 'Justice, Truth, Philanthropy.' This particular piece likely originates from an Australian lodge under the Grand Lodge of England, as indicated by the unique kangaroo emblem—a rare feature symbolising its colonial heritage.

• Material & Design: Maroon ribbon with quilted backing, adorned with 18 ornate gilt badges connected by a gold-tone chain. The badges feature buffalo imagery, a hallmark of the RAOB, along with inscriptions such as 'Justice Truth Philanthropy,' 'Grand Lodge of England,' 'Antediluvian,' and 'Royal.'
• Kangaroo Emblem: A standout badge with a kangaroo, likely a custom design for an Australian lodge, possibly from Sydney or Melbourne, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century when RAOB lodges flourished in Australia.
• Historical Significance: The central badge with intertwined 'K' and 'M' letters likely stands for 'Knight of Merit,' a higher degree within the RAOB awarded for exceptional service. The 'Antediluvian' reference aligns with the RAOB’s full name, and the kangaroo ties it to the Grand Australasian Banner (GAB), established in 1893.
• Condition: The collar shows age-related wear, including fraying on the ribbon and minor tarnishing on the metal badges. The enamel colors remain vibrant, and the chain is intact, making this a well-preserved piece of fraternal history.

Likely from an early Australian RAOB lodge, possibly the Lodge of Australia (est. 1883) or a Victorian lodge, given the kangaroo emblem. Similar collars are rare, with few examples featuring Australian symbols like the kangaroo.

Collectors of RAOB regalia, fraternal organisation memorabilia, or Australian historical artifacts. This collar is a unique piece of history, blending English tradition with Australian identity.

Carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery.

Please examine all photos for details. Feel free to message with any questions!