HISTORIC MASONIC REGALIA

[Mervyn Mitton]

These three early pieces of Masonic Regalia have just come-in - two of them are silver gilt and the Breast Star is silver. All are hallmarked and are in their original boxes - two of which have the name of the London maker. One in particular , has the name SOMERSETSHIRE around the body - so, obviously a link to that County. The Star is 5 1/2 inches across (6.5 cm) Marks are for BIRMINGHAM 1853.

I am hoping that some of our members will recognise the ranks that held them and also, give any other information that may be available.

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

This one is hallmarked for LONDON 1867

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

This final one has lovely blue enamel. The hallmark is for LONDON 1864

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[wm5806]

Perhaps I can help?

1. The star is worn on the tunic of the Masonic Knights Templar degree. Not particularly rare, but interestting due to its age.

2. The second (with the claret ribbon) is a PZ jewel. This is from a higher degree in Freemasonry, called the Royal Arch (which is organised into Chapters rather than Lodges), and signifies that the wearer held the (equivalent) post of Master of the Chapter. Again, not particularly rare, but notable because of its age and the fact that it doesn't have the Chapter's name or any dedication engraving on it.

3. The third does, as you rightly suggest, have its origins in Somerset. The jewel is that awarded to a Brother who has served (NB past tense) his Provincial Grand Lodge (Freemasonry at the county or district level) in the office of Provincial Senior Grand Warden and shows he is a Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. The jewel would be worn suspended from a 'V' shaped collar. Again, it's not an especially rare item as there are plenty of modern equivalents but, like the others, its value lies in its age and the quality of the manufacturing.

Hope that helps?