This fantastic thing! It is a dated, 1818 silk Masonic Grand Master’s apron engraved with a marvelously extensive array of symbols, including large all seeing eye at top. I have found a few other related examples out there (sold at auction and in museum collections, including at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library) featuring engraved images attributed to James T. Porter (active 1810-1830), of Middletown, Connecticut—and this one is definitely that, with J.P.Porter and Middletown Connecticut printed at the very bottom edge.
It would take someone with much more expertise than I have to decipher all the symbols and their meanings here, but among the obvious ones are the compass and square, ladder, beehive, hourglass, scull and crossbones, twin pillars, scale, etc. The blue in which they are printed is makes the whole thing feel all the more mystical, and is perfectly complemented by silvery pale blue silk ruffle trim, which is in very good shape. Stunning.
17 1/8" x 14 1/2" and in very good condition for its age, with no holes/tears, etc. Some toning/stains as evident and as documented in detail photos. Very stable, not fragile condition.
You might also like
