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1864
Maker not marked
USA: Massachusetts, Boston (probably)
Silver gilt
overall: 7-1/4"h x 3-5/8"dia
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.2387
Masonic gold-tone goblet with round base. Top edge flares outward. Engraved on one side, "Ancient Cup / used by the / Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, / in / Consecration Services. / Taken from the ruins after the burning of / Freemasons Hall / April 6th / 1864."
On April 6, 1864, the Boston Masonic building was destroyed by fire. While Boston Masons were able to save some small items from the ruins, many things were damaged beyond repair. Fashioned out of melted metal objects taken from the ruins, this goblet serves as a symbol of Freemasonry's resilience. For further information, see Newell, Aimee, et.al., "Curiosities of the Craft: Treasures from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Collection", 2013, p. 256-257.