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INDEPENDENT ORDER OF TRUE Good TEMPLARS Antique Temperance IOGT IOTT SASH Africa
An antique Sash from the Independent Order of True Templars in South Africa.
We are pleased to present this unusual antique Sash for your consideration. It comes to us from the Independent Order of True Templars (IOTT), the South African version of the Temperance Society known as the Independent Order of Good Templars (IOGT). We date it to circa 1900.
The Sash was acquired by Laurence and Sally Martin, owners of Studio Antiques, during their trip to South Africa to film an episode of the Travel Channel reality TV show Baggage Battles (S04E05 "Safari Sale" which aired in May, 2014). It was purchased on a side trip and claimed to have been used during the years of the second Boer War. Based on the condition of the Sash and Pins, and the primitive wire fasteners seen on the back of the NO CROSS / NO CROWN pin (see picture 6), we believe its use would be consistent with that time period.
The Sash is made of red fabric, with gray and red bands along the edges, and tassels at each end. It measures about 78 inches in length, and is 5-1/2 inches wide. With its three (3) attached pins, it weighs 5 ounces. Pictures 3, 4, and 5 show close ups of the attached pins. At the top is a Crown that is sewn in place. In the middle, the IOTT letters (sewn in place) with surrounding Wreath, and at the bottom, the Cross pin with legend NO CROSS / NO CROWN. Some of the threads have come loose from the bottom pin, allowing us to see the reverse side and the early style wire fasteners.
The Sash shows a variety of soil and staining, but is physically intact, with no serious tears or other damage. The pins show a moderate patina, but are also in good physical condition. We rate the overall condition as good.
This is a unique artifact from a South African temperance society, active during the very early years of the 20th century. It would make a wonderful addition to any collection!
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DRM 150404_sash
