Colonial Rhodesia RAOB Badge – 1907 Hallmarked Silver Past Primo Jewel
This finely crafted Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) jewel was awarded in 1907 to Primo T. Longmore in Rhodesia, a rare colonial example of Edwardian-era fraternal regalia. The badge is struck in solid sterling silver, adorned with a vibrant blue enamel banner, a gilt center, and a prominent bull's head featuring inset red eyes — likely glass but possibly rubies (we will have more information on testing of the stones; stay tuned).
Above the badge is a curved silver bar engraved “RHODESIA”, marking it as a scarce export piece issued during the early 20th century in the British colony of Southern Rhodesia.
Notable Features:
Hallmarked: Birmingham, 1906–1907 (“g”), lion passant, anchor, and maker’s mark “A.F.” (Arthur Fenwick)
Personalized: Reverse engraving reads:
“Presented to Primo T. Longmore for valuable services rendered – 1907”
Design: Crisp floral filigree, rich enamel, and a well-defined central buffalo head with horned detail and red eyes
Size: ~8.2 cm tall (as shown against scale)
Condition: Excellent. Original gilding intact, enamel near mint, hallmarks clear, and engraving sharp
Provenance: Sourced directly from a recognized UK expert in antique silver and historic regalia
This piece is not only a stunning example of RAOB craftsmanship but also a historically significant link to colonial Rhodesia. Very few named, dated, and hallmarked Past Primo jewels survive from this period—fewer still tied to the African colonies.
Why This Piece Stands Out:
Authentic RAOB jewel from Rhodesia (pre-UDI colonial issue)
Fully hallmarked British silver with original engraving
Purchased from a reputable dealer (please contact for further info), with verifiable documentation
Collector-grade condition, museum-display quality
This finely crafted Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) jewel was awarded in 1907 to Primo T. Longmore in Rhodesia, a rare colonial example of Edwardian-era fraternal regalia. The badge is struck in solid sterling silver, adorned with a vibrant blue enamel banner, a gilt center, and a prominent bull's head featuring inset red eyes — likely glass but possibly rubies (we will have more information on testing of the stones; stay tuned).
Above the badge is a curved silver bar engraved “RHODESIA”, marking it as a scarce export piece issued during the early 20th century in the British colony of Southern Rhodesia.
Notable Features:
Hallmarked: Birmingham, 1906–1907 (“g”), lion passant, anchor, and maker’s mark “A.F.” (Arthur Fenwick)
Personalized: Reverse engraving reads:
“Presented to Primo T. Longmore for valuable services rendered – 1907”
Design: Crisp floral filigree, rich enamel, and a well-defined central buffalo head with horned detail and red eyes
Size: ~8.2 cm tall (as shown against scale)
Condition: Excellent. Original gilding intact, enamel near mint, hallmarks clear, and engraving sharp
Provenance: Sourced directly from a recognized UK expert in antique silver and historic regalia
This piece is not only a stunning example of RAOB craftsmanship but also a historically significant link to colonial Rhodesia. Very few named, dated, and hallmarked Past Primo jewels survive from this period—fewer still tied to the African colonies.
Why This Piece Stands Out:
Authentic RAOB jewel from Rhodesia (pre-UDI colonial issue)
Fully hallmarked British silver with original engraving
Purchased from a reputable dealer (please contact for further info), with verifiable documentation
Collector-grade condition, museum-display quality