AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vintage Shriners fez associated with the 'Aloha' Temple, likely based in Hawaii. The garment is constructed from a deep maroon or burgundy wool felt in a cylindrical, flat-topped shape characteristic of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. It features elaborate bullion embroidery on the front, including the name 'ALOHA' arched over the Shriners emblem. The emblem consists of a scimitar, a crescent, a five-pointed star, and a pharaoh's head, all intricately rendered in gold and silver metallic wire with colorful thread accents and small red rhinestone or glass gem embellishments on the sword hilt and star. A long, heavy black silk or rayon tassel is attached to the crown via a cord and draped down the side. The overall craftsmanship suggests a mid-20th-century origins, likely between the 1940s and 1960s. Condition-wise, the felt appears structurally sound with some minor surface lint and fuzziness consistent with age. There is minimal tarnishing visible on the metallic bullion, though the embroidery remains sharp and well-defined. This item serves as a significant piece of fraternal regalia, representing high-quality hand-guided embroidery work typical of fraternal supply manufacturers of that era.

Based on my visual examination of this Aloha Temple Shriners fez, I have assessed it as an authentic piece of mid-20th-century fraternal regalia. The deep maroon wool felt displays the correct structural integrity for the 1940s–1960s era, and the bullion embroidery—featuring the scimitar, crescent, and pharaoh—shows the high-relief hand-guided craftsmanship typical of specialized manufacturers like Ward-Stilson or Henderson-Ames. The use of metallic wire and rhinestone accents on the star and hilt indicates a ‘standard luxury’ grade for a temple noble. Condition is quite good, with only minor surface oxidation on the bullion and expected linting on the felt. The Aloha Temple of Hawaii is a desirable provenance among fraternal collectors, though standard member fezzes are more common than those belonging to high-ranking officers (Potentates), which would command higher premiums. The market for Shriners regalia is currently stable, with values driven primarily by the condition of the embroidery and the specific temple's prestige. Comparable sales for well-preserved Aloha fezzes typically fall within the $150 to $250 range. Determining the presence of a maker's mark or owner's name inside the sweatband is critical for full authentication, as it can significantly increase historical value. Limitations of this remote appraisal include the inability to inspect for moth damage within the wool fibers or evaluate the flexibility of the interior leather sweatband. A physical inspection would verify if the tassel is original silk or synthetic and check for any hidden repairs to the crown.