THREE AMERICAN SILVER MASONIC BADGES, CIRCA 1780-1800

the first oval-form engraved on both sides with numerous symbols; two of ribbon-suspended shield-form engraved both sides, one with a woman holding scales of justice, reverse with inscription Solomans Mark Lodge No. 56 Dutchess County / Willm. Ely, the other with inscription John Dutcher / Hiram Lodge No. 27.

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In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Obverse of first shield-style badge. Inscribed within circular personal mark of Hiram Abiff are images of a young woman holding an floral frond and scales of justice, next to a pedestal upon which is a mortar and pestle, and a bottle, presumably all symbols of personal relevance to the owner and suggestive of his likely profession as an apothecary.

Reverse of first shield-style badge. Inscribed about circumference is “Solomon Mark Lodge No. 56 Dutchess County Willm. Ely”. William Ely is listed as a member of Solomon’s Lodge, No. 1, of Poughkeepsie, December 27, 1790. Their affiliated Lodge of Mark Master Masons at New York City was established in the American Colonies under the English system (so this is a late 18th century badge). Affiliated with Solomon’s Lodge, which was constituted by Robert R. Livingston, who was afterward a distinguished Chancellor of New York State, and for many years Grand Master, and who administered the oath of office to George Washington at his inauguration as first President of the United States, April 30, 1789.

Obverse of second shield-style badge. Inscribed within circular personal mark of Hiram Abiff are various masonic symbols of working tools, etc. arranged concentrically, within which is a top hat and gavel, symbols of the Worshipful Master of a lodge, presumably the personal mark of the owner and suggestive of his status as Past Master of the lodge.

Reverse of second shield-style badge. Inscribed about circumference are “John Dutcher Hiram Lodge No. 27” alluding to one of several possible lodges: Hiram Lodge, No. 27, of Leonardstown, Maryland, chartered June 22, 1799, and not represented at meetings of the Grand Lodge since the Semi-Annual Communication in 1801, and so was presumed defunct, and its books, etc. were returned to the Grand Lodge but are no longer to be found in the archives; according to Edward T. Schultz’s History of Capitular Masonry in Maryland, “It is probable that Royal Arch Chapters were attached to most of the active Lodges in the State. Hiram Lodge, No. 27, at Port Tobacco, as we have seen, resolved to open a ‘Royal Arch Chapter.’ There is evidence to show that more than one dispensation was granted in the year 1797”. Hiram Lodge, No. 27, of Washington, New York, at Duchess County, chartered May 10, 1793, previously named Payne Lodge No. 27.