Lot 1721

Description

RAOB (Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes), Long Service jewel in gilt and enamel, with RAOB gilt and enamel emblem affixed to the ribbon, suspender inscribed, 'Long Service', and stick-pin suspender bar inscribed, 'R.A.O.B. G.L.V. G.L.E.', jewel obverse inscribed, 'Faithful Service/21 Yrs/1969', reverse inscribed, 'Pres to/Bro. M.C.Cranwell/by the/Grand Lodge of Victoria/initiated/25-11-47'; also RAOB membership button backed lapel badge in gilt and enamel. Fine - very fine. (2)

Mr A.C.Cranwell was an Irish born Melbourne civil servant. He came to Australia in 1918 after serving in World War I. In 1950 he proposed the formation of a huge friendly society to discourage the formation by immigrants of small nationalistic groups. He stated that this was a way to help settle and assimilate new arrivals from other countries as members of the community. He said the society would help provide medical and dental services and help to finance the purchase of homes. The Australian Natives' Association had offered to help him form the society.