Next club meeting Monday 2nd March 2015.

Notices

·         An announcement will be made when lots are available for viewing, please do not start looking before the announcement. Members may have to wait outside the room till all the lots are put out.

·         The time for viewing lots is BEFORE the auction starts, not the time during the auction. If you must look at lots while the auction is running, then only do so from the room side of the tables, the space behind the tables must be kept clear to ensure the smooth running of the auction.

·         In order to provide the time for viewing, there is to be no dealing until after the auction has finished.

·         We will aim to start the auction at 19.50 and finish by 21.15 to give time to sort out invoices/payments. Please bear in mind we must vacate the premises by 10.00.

·         There are 280 lots, so we will be auctioning quickly you will also need to bid quickly.  As soon as bidding ceases the hammer goes down, so hesitate and you will miss it. Likewise, no interest and we will pass quickly.

February Meeting

At the February meeting Mr Ross Farmer gave an illustrated talk covering the jewels and badges of the Masons. The illustrations were not the usual electronic pictures but a magnificent array of actual specimens. Ross brought along some fifty examples, some of which were truly outstanding pieces of art work, and he explained the significance of each one in turn.

Ross began his talk with the tale of how he began collecting Mason jewels. His other passions include vintage bottles and enamel advertising signs, the latter often costing hundreds of pounds. One day he saw a lovely enamelled Mason jewel for £30 and thought this was cheap. His mistake was he bought another; then he was hooked.

In turn, Ross discussed his collection with many anecdotes as he went along. He said Freemasonry really started in the 17th Century and the prized maker for Mason badges is Thomas Harper. He spoke about ‘past master’ jewels which are usually indicated by a set square and founder’s jewels when a new lodge begins and the various officer’s and steward jewels; at the same time covering the differing metals of manufacture and how they are worn, be it on the breast or collar. The various markings on the aprons were briefly covered.

He explained the Lodge structure and how they can be divided into Chapters. He gave a brief history of Freemasons Hall, built to commemorate fallen comrades in the First World War; hence its original name of ‘Peace hall’. He also spoke about the Masons charitable activities and their enormous donations to worthy causes; and how member’s donations entitled them to wear appropriate badges. Some of the badges displayed were from specific institutions such as the Boys Hospital, Girls Hospital and the Benevolent Institution.

Some of the badges had been renamed. This is where a lodge disbands and the jewels are recycled. We were shown some early jewels of the late 18th, early 19th century which were basically engraved plates. We also saw some dress jewels for wearing at social functions and some centenary jewels. With the centenary jewels prior to 1850, a lodge could design its own ‘pre regulation’ jewel, but after 1850 they had to conform to a regulated design, albeit with differing dates & lodge number. We heard a little about some of the specific identifiers such as a keystone for the ‘Mark Lodge’, the past chairman of the Royal Ark Mariners being entitled the ‘Past Noah’, the wartime card tokens and some Australian badges. In conclusion Ross explained the significance of the ribbon colours.

Our thanks go to Ross for an enlightening and entertaining talk, somewhat different to our usual fare.

 

 

Future Events.

Past Events

·         40 years ago D Crowther spoke to members on some old coin auctions.

·         Ten years later 25 members attended a skittles evening.

·         In 1985 a club bourse was held.

·         In 1995 we had a talk on The Story of the SS Great Britain and associated medallions by J. Robert-Lewis.

Club Secretary.