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This polehead is of the bedpost type, with a large cup-shaped bulge and surmounted by a Maltese cross. It is made of pewter and was an emblem of the Order of Oddfellows, a large friendly society comprising numerous affiliated branches. Poleheads were also carried on processions by members of village clubs or parish friendly societies on their annual ‘walks’. The friendly societies were formed to provide some insurance for members against sickness or death, and also played an important role in the social life of the village.

1 polehead: pewter; brass; excellent condition

Club brasses, mounted on poles, were carried in procession by the members of village clubs on their annual ‘walks’. These clubs were parish friendly societies formed to provide some insurance for their members against sickness or death, though in addition they played an important part in the social life of the village. The majority of these societies dated from about 1793 when the Government passed an act to encourage their foundation. Several more acts followed during the first 60 years of the 19th century, until excessive government protection led to the decline of the clubs. A few however remained in existence until the National Insurance Act of 1911. Most clubs had a strict code of behaviour laid down in their constitutions and usually the annual meeting was followed by a church service and a ‘walk’ round the parish. Although poles were carried in this procession in many districts, the use of brass heads was confined to Somerset and the adjoining counties. The design of the brasses was sometimes conventional or sometimes represented an interest of the club such as the inn in which the meetings were held., Letter, MERL Assistant Keeper to M. J. Lorie, 23 October 1959 – ‘The pewter emblems are insignia of the Order of Oddfellows, a large Friendly Society comprising numerous affiliated branches. This order, in common with others such as the Ancient Order of Foresters and the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds, does of course still exist but, I am led to believe, its ceremonial is considerably modified and the use of elaborate regalia is out of fashion, hence the appearance on the market of some of its accoutrements. Before 1869 Oddfellowship employed a multitude of symbols including the triads of Faith, Hope and Charity, the Hand and the Heart, the Dove and Olive branch and the Lamb and Flag. The Heart in Hand was a particularly significant symbol to the Oddfellows and it was said, ‘It is presumed to signify that any act of kindness denoted by the charitable hand, is devoid of merit unless accompanied by the proper emotion of the heart in accordance with a good impulse. It is the proper symbol of Friendship’. // Some designs, I understand, were associated with one of the officers of the order and played a part in its intricate ceremonial. The ‘Opening and Initiation Service of the Ancient Ritual of the Patriotic Order of Oddfellows 1797’ described some of the symbols, how they were used in the ritual and the officers they represented. The Noble Grand Master began the ceremony by ‘standing in the East, taking the emblematical sun in his right hand’ and saying ‘Behold the Sun has arisen’ (holding up the emblem), ‘Grand Officers, it is time to commence our labours’. The moon was the emblem of the Vice Grand Master because he only reigned in the absence of the Noble Grand Master. // The Order of Oddfellows, although at various times they have claimed much more ancient origins, is said to have originated in the first half of the eighteenth century and, of all the orders of this type, approximated most nearly to Freemasonry.’

The Dulverton Trust (Agent)