[Druid] Druid/Masonic Button Cover

[helwen]

I got an enameled button cover at PPD from one of the vendors and haven't had any luck finding an example of it online. It's styled like some of the old masonic pins one sees from time to time -- round, nice enameling.

It has a black border/ring around the central design, that says "The Order of Druids". At the top of the button cover there appears to be a miniature representation of Stonehenge. At the bottom are some oak leaves and acorns.

The central design is complicated. Seven red discs/rondels set in a flower pattern (6 around 1). Over them is a hollow white isosceles triangle, point down. In the center red rondel is a gold 6 pointed star.

***
Some druid orders or friendly societies in the 18th-20th century were kind of social networks for some folks -- members might be provided with help for burial costs, small scholarships, other types of help. Kind of like the Oddfellows and other Masonic orders, I believe. So I'm guessing this was from one of those. One page I was one, for the International Guild of Druid Societies (I think), mentioned "The Order of Druids" as well as other groups, but I haven't found anything on this particular order online. They either don't have a web site or the society doesn't exist anymore.

***
Anyone know about this sort of thing?

Comments

[oakmouse]

JM is going to look into it.

If you can provide a picture or scan of it, he can also ask Philip to help. (P is a walking encyclopedia of Druid orders.)

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

There's an image of it behind the cut here.

[oakmouse]

Thanks; he's on it.

[xrian.livejournal.com]

Yes, there are still Druid societies around -- even in America. We used to hold rehearsals for Renaissance Faire in the largest fraternal hall in the small town near the site -- Druids Hall.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

I'm a member of AODA, which is a descendant of AAOD (think I spelled that correctly). Unfortunately most sites I've found online don't have images on their sites. L has posted a picture of the button cover now though, which eventually is going to be seen by a couple of guys who know about these things. I have hope :)

[stitchwhich.livejournal.com]

I'm wondering if it may be a pin from the Secular Order of Druids.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Thanks, we'll try to check that out.