Masonic Material Culture

[Bushrod Carter]

There seem to be enough Brothers on the AC that maybe we can discuss the Material Culture of Freemasons during the mid-nineteenth century.

I don't have any way to start other than asking: What can we do to improve our impressions as Craftsmen during the Civil War?

If anyone has a photo of a soldier wearing a Masonic pin/fob/etc please post it.

Below I've added a couple of photos of interesting Masonic stuff.

[BrianHicks]

Here are a few images of an original Masonic Flask from the era:

An original circa 1860's to 1870's Civil War era quart size aquamarine glass blown in the mold calabash like flask listed as G lV-42 No.259 in McKearin's American Glass, and described as made by A. R. Samuels of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This handsome 8 1/2" tall piece is known for many years as a Masonic flask but may also relate to the Jr. Order of United American Mechanics. The obverse shows a large shield with clasped hands above a square and compass amidst 5 pointed stars, 13 above and 6 below, and word "Union" in an oval frame, all within laurel branches. The reverse shows an American eagle upon a Union shield above four arrows and olive branch, and the initials "A. R. S.." A flowing ribbon travels from the eagle's beak to above and below. The side walls are fluted, with an applied lip, broad sloping collar, and a recessed pontil mark.

[BrianHicks]

The links provided below, are to a few sites with many great images of Masonic Flasks along with a good narratives of their history during our period of interest.

http://www.glswrk-auction.com/149b.htm

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masoni...f_contents.htm

[Vuhginyuh]

Patrick, I’m not a Mason but the old lodge in Raleigh might be a great resource. I’m told they have wartime images of several members in uniform; Capt. Tom Rice Youngblood, Co. D, 51 NC being one of them. His apron is in a private family collection in Smithfield NC. If it’s a wartime artifact I'll certainly get a picture for you.

Is there an online site to help date early American Masonic artifacts? I have a paternal family apron from the Tidewater that may prove interesting.

[Bushrod Carter]

Garrison,

If you could get photos of the wartime images I'd be VERY appreciative!

Also, I could help you date just about any apron from 1750 to 1900. Send me a photo and I can help you out with that!

[Vuhginyuh]

Patrick- Will do ASAP on the family apron. Its heading to a conservator in two weeks so this will be a good time to shoot it.

As far as Raleigh goes, I only have Youngbloods image; which I can provide. He is not wearing any Masonic material though, do you still want it? (As a matter of fact your avatar reminds me of him.) Is there an AC member that is a member of the old Raleigh lodge?

[Bushrod Carter]

Garrison,

I am hoping to find images of men wearing a Masonic device. I look forward to seeing the pics of ther family apron.

[Beaner]

Gents,
I don't have any pictures, but, I would highly reccommend that all the brothers read "A House Undivided - The Story of Freemasonary and the Civil War" by Brother Allen E. Roberts. The book gives excellent information on Freemason thought and works during and prior to the Civil War. Brother Roberts qoutes from several different minutes of Freemason lodges both from the North and South. It is one of the most enlighting books that this brother mason has read.

MM Dave Prince
Walled Lake #528

[1stMaine]

Comrades,

I don't have any images yet, but I MAY have some in our lodge's libraries. We just uncovered a number of albums of CDV's and other images, but it's slow going wading through them.

We do have some datable aprons, however, including some from 1820 and earlier. What's interesting is that the earlier ones, up to around 1860, are primarily silkscreened black ink on white silk. It's not till around the CW period that, at least in our lodge, you begin to see embroidery replace the printed designs.

Also, FWIW, there is an identified Paul-Revere made copper device in the Scottish Rite collection in Massachusetts that has the letter "G" in the middle of the square and compasses. It predates the CW by quite a bit, so it shows evidence of the letter being used well before our period.

Respects,

Tim Kindred
Polar Star Lodge No.114
Bath, Maine

[Justin Runyon]

Here is my first in, I hope, a number of posts in this thread. I have a ton of images if I ever find my flashdrive, but for now...

I give you Bro. Thumb's Apron.

Bro. Runyon
Snr. Stwrd.
Riley Lodge #390