New York OA Trader

Haven’t followed up on this theme for a while, but I will be going through the GNYC Lodges one at a time and posting on the toughest pieces (or lack of them) from each lodge.

First up is Ranachqua Lodge #4, from The Bronx.

The single toughest (and most expensive) piece from this lodge is the first Chenille (C1).  Reportedly there were only 2 of these chenille made, both for Chief William Stumpp, the first chief of Ranachqua Lodge.  Only one is known to exist today and has sold for approximately $25,000.  I believe that this may be the highest priced OA item ever sold, or was at the time of the sale.

The early arrowheads from this lodge are also seldom seen with only a handful known to exist. 

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A year ago we pictured the Ranachqua Lodge #4 eA1959.  While listed in the Blue Book, at the time and image was not available at the Internet Guide to OA Insignia.

What issue from your New York State OA Lodge still needs an image at OAimages?

An item recently appeared on eBay purportedly from Ranachqua Lodge #4. This small beaded strip, does have the owl totem of Ranachqua Lodge and a red WWW. The bead colors, shape of the owl and overall design does match what was being used by the lodge during that time frame in its neckerchiefs. I have no reason to doubt it is from Ranachqua, but have no independent confirmation either.

It is not an issue that would be listed in the Blue Book, but does anyone know its provenance or confirm its use by the lodge?

John Tegtmeier previously had shared the sewout of the new Ranachqua Lodge neckerchief tentatively designated the N15. The neckerchief are now in, and in the scan at least, there are no discernible differences. John advises the Black Cloth and Green Piping represent the Lodge colors.  John further advises “Run of 100, produced by Stadri Emblems.”

N15 DGR P BLK M/C M/C FDL’s 1BLK, 1 GRN; Emb. Name BLK/GRN; BLK WWW, Lodge No.4 1920, Design of P1

John Tegtmeier shares a scan of the sewout for a new neckerchief from Ranachqua Lodge #4. While there may be some minor variations when the order is received, this will be the new N15.  Apparently it is restricted to Lodge members only, but unrestricted within the Lodge.

Assuming no changes to the design or neckerchief, the Blue Book stats would be:
N15 DGR P BLK M/C M/C FDL’s 1BLK, 1 GRN; Emb. Name BLK/GRN; BLK WWW, Lodge No.4 1920, Design of P1