Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Chart, Ca. 1840
Unknown - British Isles or North America Ca. 1840
chart that probably dates from the 1st half of the 19th Century. It appears to be printed on silk and is framed in a dark oak frame that was made in the late 19th/early 20th century. The saw tooth and red border are printed directly on the fabric. A true survivor as silk does not age well unless protected. The chart is bordered by a green mat which is later than the frame.
“
“As early as 1733 a reference to a “Scotch Masons’ Lodge” appeared in a manuscript list of lodges by Dr. Richard Rawlinson, and the following year, it was again mentioned in a printed list of Masonic Bodies. The early designations “Scotts,” “Scotch,” and “Scottish” refer to a type of Masonry practiced, rather than referring to native Scotsmen. Thus, we read that from 1733–40 the “Scotch Master Masons” Degree was being conferred on “normal” Master Masons. For instance, on July 18, 1740, at the Lodge at the Rummer, Bristol, it was “Order’d & agreed That Bro. Tomson & Bro. Watts & any other member of this Lodge. that are already Master Masons may be made Scotch Master. . . .” By 1734–35 additional degrees were invented, two of which were the “Excellent Mason” and “Grand Mason.” These early “Scotts” (or Scottish) Degrees are ancestors of the Scottish Rite in both name and tradition, and represent a type of Masonry almost as old as the Master Mason’s Degree. The tradition of “Scotts” (or Scottish) Masonry is the second oldest type of high degree Masonry known, even surpassing the antiquity of the Royal Arch Degree.” from https://scottishrite.org/about/history/
Price
$2200
Condition
Faded, time darkened and fabric distress. See close up photos. Not examined out of the frame.
Measurements
frame - 34.5" X 38.5" / sight size 27.5" X 31.5"
