"Justice, Truth and Philanthropy" - I came by these 2 very old Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) lodge signs last year. The Plinth sign is marked ’L Simpson & Co. 56 York Road, Kings Cross, N1.’ L Simpson made a lot of Masonic fraternity items from medals and jewelry to furniture. The hanging sign is double sided I’d say it wasn’t turned because one side is heavily patina’d. The Buffaloes are a charitable secret fraternity established by artistic and theatrical creatives, in The Harp Tavern on Dury Lane, London in 1822. They drew their then name of ‘The Buffaloes’ from a popular song of the time ‘We’ll chase the Buffalo’. This first meeting place was historically named the Harponian Lodge. As members toured the country with various shows, lodges were opened in other towns. During the 19th century the Order spread throughout the British Commonwealth and lodges now existed in Britain, Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Middle East, India, Africa, Gibraltar and Cyprus. The First World War led to temporary or even permanent closure of many Lodges due to the enlistment of members. The Buffs supported the war effort through supplying ambulances to bring wounded soldiers back from the front lines. Initially six motorised ambulances were purchased and sent manned by 'Volunteer Buffs'. More followed and on their return after the war, the ambulances formed the first ambulance service in England. In 1926, Lord Alverstone succeeded in persuading the Order to purchase Grove House, Harrogate, for use as an orphanage to which every active member contributed a ha'penny (half of one old penny.) During the Second World War, the Order offered Grove House for use as a military hospital. The RAOB continues its work in the local community, helping those its members promise to assist in times of difficulty and need. Minor Lodges throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world still raise money for charities and charitable causes - #royalantediluvianorderofbuffaloes #buffaloes #buffs #antiquesign #vintagesign #typeface #font #handpaintedsigns #woodensigns #charity #vintageadvertising https://www.instagram.com/p/B-rgxW5jJny/?igshid=tgtm8kz0tsv3
