This is a wonderful piece of late 19th c. Odd Fellows Lodge Regalia as used in their secret ceremonies depicting a white painted hand with red heart on the red and green ax blade attached to a putty / white painted handle. It is commonly thought that this symbol reflects the sentiment that when one gives you their hand of help, they also give you their heart. The handle and ax blade are made of two pieces of wood neatly joined. The reverse shows the heart and hand pointing downward which I cannot explain as I am certain this has relevance to their membership. The heart and hand has become one of the most sort after symbols of the ceremonial affects and has also been the subject of paper cut out valentines, Lodge Aprons, staffs, trivets and many other objects. This piece measures 29 inches long by 9 inches wide. The bottom of the handle has an old hole for hanging.