Objects

Viewing Record 44 of 107
Previous Record  Next Record
Switch Views: Lightbox | Image List | List

Master Mason Apron
1790-1820
Maker not marked
USA: New Hampshire
Paint on leather
overall: 12-1/2"h x 17"w
Gift of Mary Gesen Carroll, Barbara Gesen Trulson, Charles Jackman Gesen, Karen Gesen Pierce
95.045

Masonic Master Mason apron; shield-shaped body with rounded flap, white leather apron with blue-stenciled edging; flap with painted all-seeing eye; twin pillars resting on a marblized flooring on which are a pick axe, coffin, and trowel; above, between the pillars, is a square and compasses beneath a radiant sun, surrounded by crescent moon, seven stars, rule, mallet, bleeding heart, sprig of acacia, and level.


The painted decoration and shield shape of this apron help date it to the late 1700s or early 1800s. Unlike most aprons of the era, this one is not bound along the edges with ribbon. Instead, the edges were painted blue to resemble fabric binding and then embellished with a blue basketweave pattern. Family history suggested that it was made and used in New Hampshire. For further information, see Newell, Aimee E., "The Badge of a Freemason," 2015, p. 26-27.