Unearthing Fraternal Treasures: Raiders of the Lost Ark
with Jessica Rickman CPPA, Certified Personal Property Appraiser
As an appraiser with almost two decades in the world of antiques and collectibles, I’ve seen everything from George Washington inaugural buttons to 1800s European Confessionals. However, few items spark as much intrigue as fraternal lodge artifacts, symbolic enigmas of secret societies that whisper tales of brotherhood and rituals. Today, I’m thrilled to dive into this particular piece: a hand-made folk art example of the Ark of the Covenant from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). If you’re a history buff, a collector of the curious, or just someone who enjoys folk art, this is a fantastic find.
Let’s start with the backstory, as no appraisal is complete without context. The IOOF, founded in 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland, emerged as a non-political, non-sectarian fraternal order dedicated to friendship, love, and truth (FLT) as symbolized by their highly recognizable and iconic FLT triple-link chain. Think of them as focused on charity, mutual aid, and elaborate ceremonies that helped members navigate life’s hardships in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In an age before social security, joining the Odd Fellows meant your family had a safety net if misfortune struck. Their lodges were hubs of altruism, and their rituals drew heavily from biblical imagery to instill moral lessons.
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The Ark of the Covenant? Straight out of the Old Testament, the sacred chest that is said to house the Ten Commandments, built under Moses’ direction. But in Odd Fellows hands, it became a ceremonial prop, symbolizing divine protection and the covenant of brotherhood.
These scarce examples weren’t just decorations; they played starring roles in initiation rites and degree ceremonies, where members would parade them to emphasize themes of truth and fidelity. From lodge handbooks and historical accounts, we know the Ark represented the “imperial virtue” of truth, teaching duties to God and fellow man. It’s a fascinating blend of religious symbolism and fraternal pageantry.
Description
This example is a table-sized scale model of the ark, roughly four feet long. The base is a rectangular wooden chest, stained a rich mahogany hue that affirms late 19th-century craftsmanship. The wooden chest is on four hand turned feet, with long turned carrying poles with knobbed ends extending from the sides. The lid features railing incorporating the triple-link chain, which removes any doubt that the piece is Odd Fellows. Perched atop the ark are two intricately hand-carved golden cherubim angels, facing each other with wings arched as guardians of God’s presence. Their faces have a serene, classical look, almost Art Nouveau in simplicity, while the overall build suggests mahogany and pine construction, common for other examples of lodge props.
Condition
Excellent overall condition for age with no evidence of damage or loss. It shows honest wear: minor scuffs and patina that add character without detracting from its appeal. No major cracks or losses were observed. The original gold finish on the angels retains its luster, with expected subtle oxidation from age. The style aligns perfectly with American Odd Fellows artifacts from around 1870-1900.
Dimensions: Ark: 47” x 10” x 11”; Angels: 16.5” x 7” x 7” each
Appraised Value
Pieces such as these enjoyed peak demand in the early 1980s after the release of Harrison Ford’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, a movie which prominently featured the Ark of the Covenant as the primary subject of the film.
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Target buyers for items such as this one include not only collectors of fraternal and biblical memorabilia, but also collectors of unique folk art pieces, and even the Raiders of the Lost Ark fanbase.
Comparable pieces from recent auctions and dealers have sold for between $1,500 and $2,500. Due to the excellent, well-kept condition, completeness and original finish, I would value this example a little above the high end of that range. For insurance purposes, I place a value of $2,750 on this original Odd Fellows Ark of the Covenant.
Concluding Remarks
In person, to me the ark has a difficult to describe mystical aura to it. Maybe I’ve watched too many movies, but I wasn’t certain that the lid was not going to open and millions of beetles or snakes weren’t going to spill out of it. That aside, this is one of the most captivating pieces of folk art I have ever examined. The powerful and demanding presence of the Ark is a lasting tribute to the Odd Fellows craftsmanship and commitment to the principles for which it stands.
It is items like the Ark that keep my love for antiques and hard to find oddities alive. It compels me to go to every single one of the upcoming major antique shows to experience more “holy grails” such as this one.
Note: The value expressed herein is based on the appraiser’s best judgement and opinion for entertainment purposes only as of January 1, 2026, and is not a representation or warranty that the described item would realize that value should it be offered for sale at auction or otherwise, nor is it a guarantee of authenticity. For a full, formal documented appraisal of your items for insurance or other purposes, please contact Jessica Rickman.
Jessica Rickman, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is an accomplished Certified Personal Property Appraiser (CPPA, PACC, USPAP) specializing in antiques, jewelry and collectibles. A graduate of Belmont University and Asheford Institute of Antiques, Jessica combines academic rigor with a deep passion for preserving history through procuring unique historical items. For inquiries, connect with her via email or Instagram.. For inquiries, connect with her via email at jessica@antiques615.com or Instagram, @antiques615.
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