I believe this wooden shield with gavel knocker is likely fraternal--looks to me like a gothic "C" (maybe combined with two horizontal strokes of an F?) painted in silver against that old best yellow paint. Perhaps the gavel was struck to call meetings to order, or perhaps the shield hung on the outside of the door to the inner sanctum, where all secrets would be revealed. Who knows? What I do know is that the wooden gavel, suspended from a bent strip of pliable metal, produces a very satisfying, loud knock against the wood of the shield when it hits it, and then continues to bounce, on and on (i've included a video though shot with the shield laid flat on its side so as not to keep knocking.) Very cathartic when one needs to strike something, and quite a fun and dramatic way to announce visitors!  And that yellow paint is gorgeous.

17 1/4 including hook (original) x 10 1/2” w x about 4” d. Very good well used condition, with wear to the surface at the knocking spot. The shield is symmetrical, despite my first photo which makes it look a bit off. Late 19th/early 20th c. I believe.