The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) is a fraternal group that has been around since the 1820s. At Potteries Auctions, we have successfully handled numerous sales of these fascinating collectables since 2023, establishing ourselves as specialists in determining the worth of RAOB medals.
Our expertise in valuing these fraternal jewels has helped many collectors and families understand the true value of their RAOB regalia, and we regularly get asked the question, “Are my RAOB medals worth selling?”
Group of RAOB jewels/medals sold for £710
Understanding RAOB Medals’ Worth: Key Value Factors
Several critical factors determine how much RAOB medals are worth in today’s market. The material composition is paramount; 9ct gold jewels typically command premium prices, while silver and silver-gilt examples also hold significant value.
The degree of the medal, condition of the enamel work, historical provenance, and whether original documentation accompanies the piece all contribute to establishing your RAOB medals’ worth at auction.
Since 2023, Potteries Auctions has achieved remarkable results with RAOB jewels, demonstrating strong RAOB medals worth across various categories:
- 9ct gold medals with original ribbons, weighing 16-30 grams, achieving strong prices based on both gold content and craftsmanship
- Complete collections with documentation attracting considerable collector interest, with RAOB medals worth substantially more when sold as groups
- Roll of Honour jewels demonstrating particularly robust value in the current market
- Secretary and office-bearer medals are showing consistent demand, proving these RAOB medals are worth considerable attention from collectors
Who are the RAOB?
This large collection of RAOB Buffalo medals– including some silver, sashes, documentation for medals, etc, sold for £75
Formed in 1822 and known to members as the ‘Buffs’, the RAOB is one of the UK’s largest Masonic-style fraternal Orders, whose members convene for fellowship and socialisation, as well as to raise funds for helping those in need.
It began at the Harp Tavern on Drury Lane, London, with members of the theatre business who were unable to join a club there, called the City of Lushington, populated by higher-profile actors and entertainers.
As with Masonic Orders, a core focus of the Fraternity is its charitable endeavours, which from 1967 total over £3,600,000. In recent years, its contributions have benefited charities such as Alzheimer’s UK, British Heart Foundation, as well as helping to fund the purchase and fitting out of ambulances for Ukraine.
Societal change and the reduction in size of the British Armed Forces, within which there had been a great many Lodges and members, precipitated a decline in RAOB membership since its height in the early 1970s and resulted in the closure of many of the Fraternity’s Lodges. However, the largest Order, The Grand Lodge of England, continues to operate, maintaining some 700 Lodges as far flung as Cyprus, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
The Four Degrees and Their Relative Value
There are four levels known as ‘Degrees’ that Buffs members can attain, reminiscent of Masonic tradition. These are based primarily on the length of time during which they have been part of the Fraternity, and each degree significantly affects RAOB medals’ worth in the marketplace.
1st Degree – Kangaroo: Attained by new members. These jewels typically represent entry-level values.
2nd Degree – Certified Primo: Achieved after 2 years. These jewels show moderate value depending on the material and condition.
3rd Degree – Knight of the Order of Merit (KOM): Attained after a further 10 years’ membership. These jewels command significant value, particularly gold examples with enamel decoration, making these RAOB medals worth seeking out.
This 9ct gold hallmarked 3rd Degree medal sold for £280 in November 2023
4th Degree – Roll of Honour (ROH): The highest degree. Roll of Honour jewels consistently achieve premium prices at auction, especially those in 9ct gold with intact enamel work and gemstone embellishments. These are among the most valuable RAOB medals worth collecting.
This 4th Degree Roll of Honour jewel, another 9ct gold hallmarked medal, sold for £440 in November 2023
Other medals are awarded to office holders for their continued service such as this jewel, awarded in recognition of service as Secretary, sold for £240
Material Composition: Key to Understanding Value
Gold RAOB Jewels
This 9ct gold RAOB medal from 1904, presented to Primo J. Harrison, sold for £150
9ct gold jewels represent the premium tier when assessing RAOB medals’ worth in the current market. Weight is critical; medals ranging from 10g to 30g can command substantial prices based on both gold content and craftsmanship. Hallmarks from respected makers like L. Simpson & Co., Fattorini & Sons Ltd., and F.C. Parry Ltd. add provenance and value to these precious metal jewels.
Silver and Silver-Gilt Jewels
Two hallmarked silver & enamel RAOB Buffaloes medals (with third base metal example on the far right), sold for £30
Silver jewels, particularly those with fine enamel work and original ribbons, maintain strong collector appeal and demonstrate impressive value. Silver-gilt examples often feature intricate detailing and can achieve strong prices depending on condition and rarity. When evaluating silver examples, look for clear hallmarks and minimal enamel damage to maximise value.
Base Metal Examples
While gilt base metal jewels hold more modest values compared to precious metal examples, complete sets or rare office-bearer examples still attract collector interest and prove these RAOB medals are worth consideration at auction.
Do you have RAOB medals you are looking to sell?
At Potteries Auctions, our team of experts specialises in accurately determining RAOB medals’ worth and can provide professional valuations for your jewels. Since 2023, we have built an exceptional track record in selling RAOB regalia, achieving strong results for gold, silver, and complete collections.
Our team are available every Tuesday from 9am-3:30pm at our Silverdale saleroom or Thursday at the Cobridge saleroom, where they can value your Lorna Bailey cats and advise you on consigning to auction. To book a free in-person appointment, use our form here. Alternatively, if you would like an online valuation, fill in this form.