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Up for sale is a fantastic, instant-collection lot of three (3) authentic turn-of-the-century fraternal ceremonial hats from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). Sourced from the same estate, this trio represents an incredible cross-section of early American secret society history, featuring pieces from the two most famous regalia manufacturers of the era: The M.C. Lilley & Co. and DeMoulin Bros. & Co.
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1. "Past Grand" Hat (Red Velvet / M.C. Lilley & Co.)
Rank/Station: Past Grand (Lodge Past President)
Color/Material: Scarlet red velvet with heavy white soutache chain-stitch embroidery and a unique four-quadrant structured crown.
Interior: Features its original, fully legible printed paper "PAST GRAND" label and a beautifully preserved gold-leaf manufacturer stamp for The M.C. Lilley & Co. (Columbus, OH), dating circa 1890–1910.
Condition: Excellent antique condition. Vibrant fabric color. The original dark leatherette sweatband shows standard age-related cracking/flaking ("red rot"), but remains entirely intact.
2. "Vice Grand Supporter" Hat (Green Velvet & Yellow Satin)
Rank/Station: V.G. Sup. (Vice Grand Supporter)
Color/Material: Deep forest green velvet brim with gold cord soutache embroidery, a gathered yellow satin/silk crown, and a stamped metal floral emblem at the front.
Interior: Retains its original printed paper "V. G. Sup." label.
Condition: Very good antique condition. Minor dust and surface wear consistent with age. Stiff buckram inner frame remains strong and holds its shape perfectly.
3. "Noble Grand" Hat (Crimson Silk / DeMoulin Bros. & Co.)
Rank/Station: Originally Noble Grand or Supporter station based on fabric color.
Color/Material: Pointed, segmented dome crown with a flared, scalloped brim and embroidered floral motifs featuring metallic thread.
Interior: Features a highly desirable, crisp green shield ink stamp for DeMoulin Bros. & Co. (Greenville, ILL), dating circa 1895–1910. The paper label is missing.
Condition: Fair/Distressed antique condition. The exterior panels exhibit advanced "shattered silk" disintegration (a natural chemical breakdown common in late-Victorian weighted silks). It shows heavy splitting and shredding, exposing the inner structural layer. It serves as an incredible "beautiful decay" display piece or historical study specimen.
