Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Medal for Joseph Winslow
1796
Maker not marked
USA: Vermont or New Hampshire
Silver
oOerall: 2-1/2"h x 1-1/2"w x 1/16"d
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.3120

Masonic Chapter Medal; silver oval showing on one side standard Masonic symbols, while on the other, additional engraved Masonic symbols including Bible opened to "St. John," coffin with "Memento Mori" and engraved into margin "Joseph Winslow Initiated June the 8th 1796 / Amor Honor Et Justitia."

Along with Masonic symbols such as Noah’s ark and a beehive, Joseph Winslow included messages he found important on his medal. They include the motto Amor, Honor et Justitia (Love, Honor and Justice) and a coffin engraved with the words Memento Mori (Remember Your Own Mortality). This phrase reminded those who saw it to prepare for death. For further information, see Newell, Aimee, et.al., "Curiosities of the Craft: Treasures from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Collection", 2013, p. 76-77.