Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Set of Windsor Side Chairs with Masonic Symbols
1820-40
Maker not marked
USA: Maine
Wood, paint
overall: 32"h x 17"w x 17"d
Special Acquisitions Fund
76.34.1-6

Set of Masonic Windsor Side Chairs; painted black and red graining seats outlined in green with red striping; yellow bands around spindles and legs; back splat stenciled with design of level, plumb, folding rule, sun, ladder, moon, compasses and square; beveled seat and back piece.

This set of six chairs, one of which is pictured here, features stylish—for its time—painted details like the grain painting on the seat and the yellow banding on the legs. A craftsman painted Masonic symbols including a level, plumb, marking gauge, compasses and square along the top of the chair. The decoration of these chairs suggests they were used in a Masonic lodge.