The handle on this gavel is a straight piece of wood approx. 8.00 inches long. At the top is an elliptical shaped head carved smooth over most of the surface except for a section of the top, back and bottom which still have some bark visible. At the center of one side of the head is carved three chain links. The top edge of each link is carved with letters. The first link has an “I” while the second has “O.O.” and the third has an “F.” These letters and the chain insignia stand for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Scratched lightly around the chain is “PRESENTED TO BYESVILLE LODGE NO. 765 BY E. F. MEEK.” Beneath the chain is “LOOKOUT MT. MAY 6, 1863.” The last digit on the date may also be a “5.”

There are several men named E. F. Meek listed as soldiers in the Union Army. Since Byesville is in Ohio a search of that state's records may reveal a place to start.

This item is pictured on page 117 of Frank Mroczka’s book “STARTING YOUR FIRST CIVIL WAR COLLECTION.” We have this book available for purchase, our item# ST303, priced at $39.95.  Additional information can be found by clicking on the above link.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!