A SILVER MASONIC "JEWEL"

細節

A SILVER MASONIC "JEWEL"
AMERICAN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Of cartouche form, with loop for suspension the obverse engraved witha mask above a banner with inscription SIT LUX ET LUX FUIT above a burning bush surrounded by inscription Zaccheus Hovey, Temple M M Lodge, the border engraved with vines and a classical urn; the reverse engraved with an eye above two winged cherub heads above a ladder surrounded by script initials H T W S S T K S, the border similarly engraved, apparently unmarked--3 1/4in. long

拍品專文

This masonic "jewel" is a Mark Master medal, originally belonging to Zaccheus Hovey. The Mark Master degree is the degree above Master Mason, and the intials H T W S S T K S signify the Mark Master degree. The ladder with three steps enclosed by these initials is the personal emblem chosen by Hovey as his own mark, symbolizing progress and advancement. The three steps stand for the virtues Faith, Hope, and Charity. This medal, in the style of upstate New York, has been tentatively identified as belonging to a member of the Temple Lodge in Albany. Further information accompanies this lot.