Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Man in Masonic Regalia with Woman
ca. 1850
Maker not marked
USA: Maine (probably)
Daguerreotype: glass, metal, leather, velvet, mother of pearl
closed: 6'h x 4-3.4"w x 1/2"d
Special Acquisitions Fund
83.19

Half-plate daguerreotype in original case; shows man, standing, wearing dark suit, Masonic pin, collar, and apron; seated woman wears black dress, white collar, and jewelry; faces tinted; portions of jewelry, collar, and apron have been highlighted with color; in original leather case with painted floral design on front, mother of pearl inlay, embossed gold border, sculpted blue velvet lining.

Families have long been proud of their Masonic affiliation. Since the 1700s many people have made, owned and displayed household objects decorated with Masonic symbols. Artifacts such as these proclaimed a family's Masonic membership. In this daguerreotype, a couple poses for the photographer. The woman wears a neat dress, collar and cuffs, along with jewelry. Her companion has donned his Masonic apron. He wears a sash ornamented with a jewel, or badge, in the shape of crossed keys. This emblem signifies the lodge office of treasurer.