Vintage Improved Order of Red Men Steel Knife with Gnarly Stag Handle & Red Leatherette Display Case. The case measures approximately 10 x 4 x 1 3/8 inches and has a gold embossed "Improved Order of Red Men" in a ribbon style banner with eagle and shield that say "Freedom, Charity, Friendship". The inside of the case shows the same eagle, shield and sentiment along with the initials G.S.D.I. and 1492 in gold embossed lettering on a cream satin fabric. The knife is set into a black hard plastic form fitted velour display, and has been displayed this way only, never used, never sharpened. The knife measures approximately 9 x 1/14 (at the widest width of the handle x 1 inch at the thickest part). The knife is a lock back folding style with clip style point and full tang. The blade depicts a scene with chiefs in council around a council fire as well as the name of the manufacturer. It was manufactured in 1981 by Standing Stone Cutlery Co. of Tennessee. This knife has a unique serial number of D271 engraved on one side of the blade and a dog standing on a slice of wood, bone or ice floe. I did try to close the knife, but since it has been displayed open like this for over 40 years it appears to be stuck in the open position. I didn't try that hard since I am not a fan of folding knives, but am a fan of my fingers. A proficient knife expert should be able to get it to close should the buyer choose to close it. See other notes on box and knife condition in condition comments.
The Improved Order of Red Men (IORM) is one of the oldest organizations of its type in the US, beginning sometime between 1813 and 1834. It is a fraternal beneficial
organization whose primary goals included the promotion of
patriotism and support of charities. It also provided
health, disability, and death benefits to members. The group's rituals,
regalia, and terminology are modeled after those assumed
by white men of the era to imitate Native Americans.
My
father and my husbands father brought back many lovely pieces of
jewelry, porcelain, clothing, perfumes, and household items to their
wives, sweethearts, moms and family members upon their return from
Europe after WWII. Many of the items have gone to family, but there
are still many items that need a home, and they are listed here.
There are also other items, long held family treasures that also need
to find new homes, as we have no room in ours for them. Many of them
have been passed on from generation to generation over 100's of
years. We hope they find a home with you.
I
bought many gemstones, carvings, minerals, gold, and other fine items
while in the jewelry industry. Many of them I made into jewelry that
I sold, but I am now selling all of the pieces that I have, since I
no longer have the time to devote to jewelry making. Please look at
my other loose carvings and gems for design or collection.
I
generally ship items within 1 day of receipt of payment (weekdays).
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