Antique Masonic Past Master Apron Meridian Lodge MA (07/19/2009)

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Antique Masonic Past Master Apron Meridian Lodge MA

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Antique Masonic Past Master Apron Meridian Lodge MA

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Sold Date: 07/19/2009
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

You are viewing a Rare Authentic 1887 Past Master Masonic Apron presented on February 2, 1887 to Past Master Alexander Hoyt
of Alpha Lodge, South Framingham, MA and an initiate of Meridian Lodge . It was recently found in a Newton, MA attic w the
family had carefully stored it away for more than a century in its original protective wrap and original box . The apron, not including
the tassels, measures approximately 16" long by 14" tall. The tassels are 2" long. The gold badge sewn underneath the flap
measures 2 1/4" by 1 5/8". The box measures 18 1/2" by 18 1/2" and the protective fabric covering measures approximately 24 1/2"
wide by 40" long. I am not very familiar with this type of collectible so I will do my best to describe it and will post multiple
pictures. It is in its exact found condition and has not been restored or cleaned in any way. I will leave that up to the discretion of the
winning bidder. Please Note: this item is being sold As Is.
This historically significant piece is highly ornate. It is made of blue & white silk with gold & blue raised embroidery. The Masonic
Eye embroidery includes small gold disks. The tassels appear to be made of coiled gold wire. Sewn underneath the All Seeing Eye
flap is a beautiful solid gold badge with the following words inscribed: Presented to Worshipful Alexander Hoyt by the Brethren of
Meridian Lodge A.F. and A.M. Feb. 2nd 1887. This gold metal badge/medallion is securely sewn to the apron on all 4 sides and has a
nice rope design border circling the outer edge. I am not sure if this badge is real gold or gold plated...I'll leave that determination to the
experts. Embroidered symbols on this beautiful piece include the Masonic All Seeing Eye, the Past Master emblem made up of the masonic
compasses symbol, square symbol and sun. T are also what appear to be intertwined olive branches in the bottom corners. Two
ribbons hang down from the top flap, one has an embroidered A and the 2nd an embroidered H, a nice personalization for the recipient
Alexander Hoyt.
Condition : Because it was stored away in an attic in its original box and covered in its original cloth protective wrap it is in fantastic shape.
It's remarkable how well preserved this piece is given that it is made out of delicate silk. On the front, the blue color is bold while the white
shows some typical toning from age. T are some minor surface imperfections such as a few small fade & rust spots and a few small holes
& scuff marks. The back is incredibly preserved and almost looks new! T is still a sheen to the blue silk and the only issue I can see
are some very subtle tiny white fade marks. The blue tie/wrap extending from each side on top is intact and in good shape. The left side
tie is torn on one side w it attaches to the body of the piece, has one 1/4" edge tear and a few small holes. The right tie shows some
fraying and a small hole w it attaches to the piece and a 2nd small hole about 8 inches down. In an envelope in the box is
approximately 36" of extra gold wire which I'm assuming was included by the maker for repair purposes just in case tassels were lost.
It appears as if all the gold wire tassels are still securely attached with perhaps just one missing from the top flap. A few are kinked
and some have subtle bends but these should be easily straightened. The protective cloth wrap is wrinkled due to being folded but is
remarkably free of holes and tears. It shows some toning/oxidation from age. In the top right corner is an original signature in gold pen or
marker. I can't quite make it out but it looks like C. Tickesson or C. Fickesson (see photo)? I believe this person could be the maker of this
exquisite decorative apron. The original box is also in good shape for its age. It appears to be made out of cardboard with a brown linen/fabric
covering. T are minor surface imperfections on the top and bottom. Some of the edges show fraying, t is a split in one of the side flaps