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Masonic Scottish Rite 33rd Degree Jewel with Box for James H. Freeland
ca. 1863
Maker not marked
USA
Gold, lead, silk
a: 5-1/4"h x 2-1/4"w x 3/4"d; b: 1"h x 3-3/4"w x 2-3/4"d
Gift of James H. Freeland
78.57.17a-b

Masonic Scottish Rite 33rd degree jewel in box; a: 33rd degree jewel with "Deus Meumque Jus"; engraved on back of gold slide "J H Freeland"; suspended on beige silk ribbon is lead double-headed eagle with red brilliant eyes; on top, crown made of gold and crimson silk; b: black box, leather-beaded with interior frame engraved on lid; interior lid has maroon silk lining; push button clasp and leather hinge.


Once a man becomes a Master Mason at his local lodge, he may choose to join additional Masonic groups, such as the Scottish Rite. Scottish Rite members perform a series of twenty-nine degrees, which are designed to supplement and amplify the philosophical lessons of the first three degrees of Freemasonry. In 1863 Bostonian James Freeland (1827-1902) received the 33rd degree, the highest honor in the Scottish Rite, marked by this jewel in the shape of a double-headed eagle.