Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Shrine Royal Order of Jesters Jewel, Winder, and Case
1986
Maker not marked
USA (probably)
a: synthetic fiber, metal, enamel b: paper c: vinyl, metal, ink
17-1/4"l x 1-3/4"w x 1/2"d (laid at full length); as worn: 5"h x 15"w x 15"d
Gift of Richard V. Travis
2017.006.2a-c

Masonic Shrine Royal Order of Jesters Jewel, Winder, and Case. a, OBVERSE: Royal Order of Jesters jewel on a purple ribbon. Jewel is of cast, gold-colored metal formed in a sunburst shape with a raised circle at center and has enamel infill of white, red, black, green, and copper colors. Design on circle has a shield shape at center with a question mark forming the vertical shaft of an anchor, the arms of which are in gold. A white enamel background with gold rays is behind it. Around this, rim is decorated (clockwise from PR side) with the letters "R", "O", and "J" and a "66" (or "99") at bottom; in between these letters are decorative designs infilled with red and black enamel. Cast sunburst points around edge. Loop at top of jewel is shaped so that its top edge and sides are flat. There is a C-shaped curl of gold metal holding it to the gold metal ribbon bar above, which has two narrow arms of loops through which purple grosgrain (likely synthetic fiber) ribbon are strung. Strips are sewn together at the top. a: REVERSE: Flat, matte gold-colored metal bears carved (or stamped) text, "JESTER / LOUIS VANDER EYK [infilled with black coloring] / CREATED / 1986 [infilled with black coloring]". b: Thick, reddish-brown paper card cut in shape to wind ribbon around, with slit for pendant. c: Small, black, rectangular case is made of textured imitation leather. Flap at top front has rounded edge and features a black plastic-coated metal snap at center; its backing, and receiver part on body of case, are gold. "R.O.J." stamped in gold paint on lower PR of front. Interior lined with black cotton fabric.