Name/TitleLodge Apron - Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes
About this objectBurgundy and gold fabric on a white leather base, a black buffalo head imprinted centrally. Gold braid border with a V-shape extending from the corners to the centre.
Two clasps “RAOB” with 7 beaded chains dependent from each.
Black waist-band with adjustable clip and S-shaped hook and ring fitting.
The Balderi Royal Antediluvian Society of Buffaloes collection has been considered significant to the Orange & District Historical Society.
Makerunknown artist
Periodc. 1970
Medium and MaterialsFabric and leather
Inscription and MarksBuffalo head symbol
MeasurementsApron 350mm x 300mm approximately
Belt 760mm x 30mm
Subject and Association KeywordsRoyal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes
Subject and Association KeywordsPeter Balderi
Subject and Association DescriptionPeter Balderi
Peter Balderi was inducted and installed as a Ceritified Primo of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes by the Star of Orange Lodge on 1 November 1997. This is his apron.
Who are the Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes?
The RAOB was founded in London in 1822 by the artist Joseph Lisle and comedian William Sinnett, and friends. It drew its name from a popular song "We’ll Chase the Buffalo". With time RAOB spread throughout Britain and then overseas through the Empire.
The honorific of "Royal” has no royal patronage nor a royal charter. It started as “Loyal” because the Lodge was founded not long after the French and American Revolutions, but wanted to show that they were not subversive, and soon changed to "Royal". "Antediluvian” (before the Flood) crept into the name in the 1850s. The are commonly referred to as the Buffaloes or the Buffs.
They were a mutual support group but their role changed over time. They provided ambulances in World War I, and post-war their formed the first ambulance service in Britain. They also provided orphanage services before the State took over this responsibility. Their Headquarters served as a war-time Services Hospital.
Membership is open to all males over the age of 18 who are true supporters of the British Crown and Constitution. Discussion of politics or religion and sport is forbidden at gatherings, as is gambling. There is no colour bar or racism.
There are four degrees within the RAOB:
1. Brother (first degree)
2. Certified Primo (2nd degree)
3. Knight of the Order of Merit (Knight Sir) (3rd degree)
4. Roll of Honour (Right Honourable) (4th degree)
The Motto of the Order is Nemo Mortalium Omnibus Horis Sapit (No Man Is At All Times Wise), and the maxim is “Justice, Truth and Philanthropy”.
Tony Bouffler
Named CollectionBalderi Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes
