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Masonic Master Mason Apron
1830-1850
Benjamin D. Pardee
USA: New York, Ithaca
Ink on leather; silk
overall: 13"h x 16-1/4"w; ON BOARD: 14-1/2"h x 18"w
Special Acquisitions Fund
85.50

Masonic Master Mason apron with square body and rounded flap of white kid with designs engraved in blue of all-seeing eye on flap, sun, moon, stars, plumb, level, "G", "Sit Lux et Lux Fuit", columns, sword, heart, square and compasses, hourglass, "Hail Heavenly Virtue, Thine's a sacred Flame", hands, Bible, ark, beehive, anchor, skull and crossbones; reads on bottom "Drawn and Engraved by Brother Benjamin D. Pardee / For Brother Moody Peabody / Ithaca N.Y." Remnants of yellow silk binding. Bow at center top.


This apron, printed on leather, is the product of two Freemasons working together. Though little is known of the engraver Benjamin Pardee, he was likely a printer who lived in Ohio and New York. As noted on it, Pardee made this apron in collaboration with engraver and publisher, Moody Peabody (1789-1866). Peabody made at least one print for Masonic clientele. In 1820 he also advertised that he "keeps constantly on hand Masonic Aprons, of a superior quality." For further information, see Newell, Aimee E., "The Badge of a Freemason," 2015. p.154-155



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