Objects

Masonic Past Master's Jewel on Collar
1823
Thomas Harper (ca. 1735-1832)
England: London
Silver, silk
overall: ca. 19-1/4"h x 5"w x 1"d
Museum Purchase
2017.018.2

Silver jewel on buff or yellow silk collar with woven knot patterns. Jewel is silver with right-angle outer piece and smaller rectangular piece hanging that has 47th problem of Euclid on either side. Both parts of the jewel have impressed "TH" and British silver hallmarks.


London silversmith Thomas Harper produced a variety of Masonic jewels in the late 1790s and early 1800s, including mark jewels, officer’s jewels, and presentation jewels, like this Past Master’s jewel made for a member of the Bascome family. This style of jewel, a square with a depiction of the 47th Problem of Euclid suspended from it, inspired the design of Past Master’s jewels used in Pennsylvania.



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