Druid’s Acorn : 15ct United Ancient Order of Druids Fob by Hall of Adelaide

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This is a smooth, hefty and comforting object – magically tactile. I keep finding myself rubbing it while it hangs about my neck. There are lots of lovely stories and symbolism surrounding acorns, it is said to be a symbol of immortality, of new beginnings, of fertility and of potential. Ancient Druids believed that eating acorns would help see the future, and the word Druid can be translated as “Oak Knowledge”.

The letters at the top are UAOD for the United Ancient Order of Druids, a fraternal organization whose motto was “United to assist”. The organization is similar to a friendly society, caring for members and the families of members who fall on hard times, and is not restricted to the wealthy or elite.

At the back of the fob is the 15ct hallmark, and the makers mark for Hall of Adelaide – which makes sense as apparently by 1877 Adelaide had 10 lodges!! That’s a lot of good boys clubs. It does appear that the popularity of Druidism in Australia coincided neatly with some of our less popular liquor licensing laws – pubs had to stop serving at 6pm, but clubs and societies had no such restrictions. Maybe they weren’t such good boys after all.

I.E. Hall traded from Gawler Place in Adelaide from 1905 – 1926 so we can neatly date this tremendous fob to that time period.

I get a perverse pleasure from wearing the trappings of men-only organizations. Here’s mud in your eye, grandpa 😝 🎩

Manufacture:
Of sturdy but hollow construction in 15ct yellow gold. The acorn cap has been textured with the letters UAOD in relief. It is hallmarked to the reverse 15c and the makers mark Hall.
The fob/ pendant measures 41mm from top to bottom, including the bail. 35.1mm without the bail. It is 17mm wide and 6.8mm deep. Weighs 4.4 grams.

Condition:
In lovely antique condition, with signs of wear commensurate with age. It has been lightly hand polished and is ready for immediate and everyday wear.

Please note that this listing is for the pendant only and does not include a chain. If you are looking for a chain to match please do let me know what you have in mind and I’ll do my best to help.

Description

Of sturdy but hollow construction in 15ct yellow gold. The acorn cap has been textured with the letters UAOD in relief.
The fob/ pendant measures 41mm from top to bottom, including the bail. 35.1mm without the bail. It is 17mm wide and 6.8mm deep. Weighs 4.4 grams.

In lovely antique condition, with signs of wear commensurate with age. It has been lightly hand polished and is ready for immediate and everyday wear.

Please note that this listing is for the pendant only and does not include a chain. If you are looking for a chain to match please do let me know what you have in mind and I’ll do my best to help.