18th century master's chair for sale

Philip Serrell auctioneers in Malvern, Worcestershire, is selling several lots from the Lodge of Unanimity, including an eye-catching oversize master's chair. The chair was made for the master in 1759 and the original paperwork has remarkably survived showing what the costs were for the chair, the carving and even the stuffing! The estimate is £5,000-8,000.

If only the subject of the previous post could be pictured in the chair...

Click of the jpeg below for a closer look.

Tom Thumb the Freemason

From Facebook...


Charles Stratton, a.k.a. Tom Thumb, was 24 inches high and weighed 16 pounds when raised in 1862.



And here's his little apron...

Churchill's masonic writing desk

The 50th anniversary of Winston Churchill's death has recently been remembered.

Back in 2008, his  masonic writing case came up for auction and sold for more than twice the top end of the estimate.

This was how Mail online reported it...

Winston Churchill's Freemasons writing case containing two of his Masonic ritual books is to be sold at auction, it was revealed today.

The portable leather satchel that belonged to the former prime minister is inscribed with the name of Churchill's lodge – the Studholme Lodge No. 1591, in London.

Sworders auction house in Stanstead Mountfitchet, Essex, is selling the item, which has been estimated to fetch £300–£500.

Winston Churchill's Freemasons writing case is estimated to fetch up to £500 at auction

Guy Schooling, a partner in the firm, said: "It is a privilege to be selling something that belonged to the great war leader.

"This case is dated not long after Churchill returned from the Boer War and he had it while he was writing the acclaimed biography of his father."

Churchill was initiated into the Freemasons in 1901 when he was a member of parliament.

Shortly after being presented with the writing case, he set about writing the biography of his father Randolph.

Former prime minister William Churchill was initiated into the Freemasons in 1901

The case was bought from the daughter of a Mr Robert Evans who acquired it in the late 1960s from a member of Churchill's followers who had been presented with it after the former premier's death.

Mr Schooling said: "The tan exterior is stamped in gilt with the words 'Bro. Winston L. S. Churchill, Studholme Lodge No. 1591'.

"In itself it is not much, but because of the person who owned it is very collectable. Churchiliana is always popular."

The ritual books can be found within special pouches in the purple, leather interior and contain the words for the first three degrees of freemasonry: initiation, passing and raising.

Enlarge  

Despite being covered by ink stains, it remains an important piece of Churchiliana

Churchill's Masonic apron and pouch are held at the home of England's Grand Lodge in Great Queen Street, London.

He curbed his Masonic interests in 1912, but retained some involvement throughout his parliamentary career.

The sale takes place on May 13.

More doors opening

From the Worcester News...

Love is in the air at Freemason exhibition

Love is in the air at Freemason exhibition

FALL in love with the collection of masonic jewels, regalia and ephemera at Worcestershire Masonic Library and Museum as it extends its opening hours.

The library and museum, off Rainbow Hill, Worcester, will be opening for longer to support of the Love Worcester festival.

Visitors will not only get a chance to see one of the finest collections of masonic memorabilia outside of London but also peek inside the Temple and ask questions.

Of special interest this year is a display highlighting those Freemasons who received a Victoria Cross during the First World War.

It will also be chance for people to see the artefacts up close which were discussed by Tim Wonnacott on the BBC programme Bargain Hunt which was screened on Friday, January 2.

The Worcestershire Masonic Library and Museum is a treasure of the history of the organisation and covers many aspect including the Napoleonic Wars and world wars.

The museum will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 22 but will be closed on Monday, February 16 and Friday, February 20.

For more information, log on to worcspgl.org.uk.

Diamond pendant for sale

This bright item is going under the hammer at the Canterbury Auction Rooms with an estimate of £2,000-3,000.

The catalogue descritption reads: 

A 19th Century gold and silvery coloured metal mounted and all diamond set Masonic square and compass pendant or brooch at will, the open work face set with forty-two small rose cut diamonds, 22mm x 30mm overall (gross weight 3.1 grammes)