Saturday, September 28, 2013

Past Master - Mountain Lodge 281 PA - 1870s


This Past Master Jewel belonged to Bro. Joseph B. Downing of Mountain Lodge No. 281 in Altoona PA.  It is probably from the 1870s.  I say that because I have another one that belonged to the Bro. Downing in the 1870s.



It has a wonderful collection of symbols on it, and I really like how the rope - it is called a cable tow - is worked into the design.


 Nicely Engraved!

But there is no year shown, which is a little strange as this was for service usually for some year.



 It is a production piece that the local jeweler engraved and despite all of the nice aspects, the workmanship around the 47th problem of Euclid is not done that well.  But still, it is a handsome piece and one with a great history.

Bro. Downing was a civil war veteran and seems to have been a great member of his community and lodge.



It is not very large.  But it has a great patina to the sterling.

This jewel is 3" by 4" and weighs 50 grams.  It is sterling 40.

relative amount I paid for this - low

As of 3/3/14 the silver scrap value works out to about $30

However, none of these are for sale.

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