Masonic insignia on uniforms

[BShajari]

Gentlemen, Brethren,

I've seen sutlers always offering Masonic insignia and emblems...but did anyone ever wear these on their uniforms? I've done quite a bit of googe-ing and haven't really found any Masons flashing their square and compass on their jackets or other articles of their uniforms.

Just thought I'd ask...


Brian

[BrianHicks]

The short answer is 'No' with regards to the numerous variations of embroidered square and compass' that you see at so many sutler stalls.

What did period Brother's wear that might indicate membership in the fraternity? A review of the few period writings that describe one brother recognizing another (other than a verbal, or manual signal), usually spoke of such things as watch fobs, or a small square and compass sewn into the inside lining of a jacket, or on the reverse side of a lapel, or on the cuff of the jacket or shirt sleeve. These sewn, or home embroidered symbols where likely no larger that your thumbnail. I have heard reference to one of two period images of men wearing pinky rings with what appears to be a square and compass. Discretion was likely the rule of order with regards to physical emblems.

[Johnny Lloyd]

The short answer is 'No' with regards to the numerous variations of embroidered square and compass' that you see at so many sutler stalls.

What did period Brother's wear that might indicate membership in the fraternity? A review of the few period writings that describe one brother recognizing another (other than a verbal, or manual signal), usually spoke of such things as watch fobs, or a small square and compass sewn into the inside lining of a jacket, or on the reverse side of a lapel, or on the cuff of the jacket or shirt sleeve. These sewn, or home embroidered symbols where likely no larger that your thumbnail. I have heard reference to one of two period images of men wearing pinky rings with what appears to be a square and compass. Discretion was likely the rule of order with regards to physical emblems.

I would make a very educated guess at discretion being the order of the day from what research I have discovered. Remember, the Anti-Masonic party was very powerful just before the 1860s and the first "third party" in American political history. While the "Age of the Fraternity" was in full-swing during the mid-19th Century, fraternities were ultra-secret during this time period for not just social, but political reasons. Obviously, secrets were more easily kept back in the days before the internet and mass communications.

Bottom line: if you wear Masonic self-identification items in a period context, make them small and mostly hidden or not terribly noticeable unless someone knows what they mean or asks you about them. At events, I wear a copy of a silver, 18th century square and compass pinky ring that is very small. Brother Pat Craddock has these rings for sale.

[BShajari]

Thank you very much for your input! I'll look up Brother Craddock.

Yours respectfully,
Brian

[3DistinctKnocks]

While it is evident that Mason soldiers typically hid their membership by the absence/concealment of Masonic pins, etc during encampment, I wonder if pins, rings, patches and the like were donned visibly prior to engaging in battle. I have to think that Mason soldiers would have done so, simply to announce their membership to any enemy Brethren to avoid becoming a casualty. Just my thoughts as I have nothing to back this up. What are your opinions?

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Keep in mind the uniform worn by Civil War soldiers was just that, a military uniform. I don't feel many NCOs and officers would let you get away with a "pledge pin on your uniform!" Not to say non regulation items were not worn, I feel wearing all the non regulation items reenactors wear is a reenactorism. Mina två ore.

[Donald Goolsby]

[BShajari]

Nice picture, Brother Donald, thanks for sharing. I would imagine that this brother put the Square and Compasses on his jacket for this photograph. As Robert stated, the clothes that they were wearing were military uniforms, so I doubt that the company SGT's or company commanders would have allowed these for regular wear.

I have hand stitched a small square and compass into my jacket lining without the letter "G". It's my understanding that using the letter "G" in the middle of the square and compasses is a relatively modern trend. I've seen examples of "G" inter-twined with the square and compasses from the 18th century, but none where it's in the middle.


I plan on ordering one the signet pinky rings soon to wear at certain events. I'll post a picture of my jacket stitching later this week.

It would be interesting, though, to find documented evidence if a brother wore insignia on the outside of his uniform in battle so that "one brother may know another".

[LibertyHallVols]

I have to think that Mason soldiers would have done so, simply to announce their membership to any enemy Brethren to avoid becoming a casualty. ...What are your opinions?

Two items here...
1) This is The Authentic-Campaigner, so we must require more than "opinion"... supporting documentation, please.
2) Does your question about insinuate that somehow a Mason might not follow orders if they might affect a brother in the service of the enemy? Conversely, would it not be viewed in Victorian society as cowardly for one to display a fraternal (or another) symbol in hopes of avoiding death or injury? As in, "Don't shoot me, I'm a Mason!"

[pvt_jb]

Frankly, I find it beyond doubtful that putting a large insignia on the outside of the clothing to say "don't shoot me" happened by any soldier. I think that is viewing battle distances in a very mainstream event manner. Even at 200 yards one would not very likely not be able to make out what was on a man’s chest. I have stood across an open field with some trees on each end and men that was about 200-250 yards (Brawner’s Farm). We had a hard time just making out the color of the uniform. If