-
Articles/Ads
Article MASONIC EXHIBITION AT SHANKLIN. ← Page 4 of 5 Article MASONIC EXHIBITION AT SHANKLIN. Page 4 of 5 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Exhibition At Shanklin.
by the Chief Adept , Frater T . B . Whytehead , IX . This was a much more ambitious and important gathering , a capital account of which was written by the Chief Adept in the Freemason for May and June , 1884 . There were 36 exhibitors and some 430 lots , the variety and value of which more than repaid the brethren who worked so hard to ensure the success of the undertaking . Then came the great Masonic Exhibition ( the third of the series ) , held
at . Worcester on August 271 b , 1884 , and following days , under most distinguished auspices . The R . W . Bro . Sir Edmund A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., the Prov . Grand Master , and the Worshipful the Mayor of Worcester were most lavish in their hospitality , and the houses of many of the residents in the city were thrown open for the entertainment of numerous Craftsmen . The Masonic soiree was a great success , the address of welcome
being delivered by the Prov . Grand Master , and the Dean of York ( the Rev . P . Purey-Cust , Past Grand Chaplain ) , explained to the brilliant assemblage of ladies and gentlemen , the principles and aims of the Fraternity . The reception was in the Guildhall , kindly lent for the occasion , and other rooms were utilised in that grand building for the numerous exhibits . The Hon . Secretary was Bro . George Taylor , assisted by Bro . J .
Randle Buck . The catalogue was edited most efficiently by Bro . Taylor , who also arranged the . vast collection , and worked with such determination and vigour , that the extent and importance of the collection was a pleasant surprise to many . I had the duty of supplying a few notes , so as to draw attention to those of a special character , and have great pleasure in testifying to the zeal and general Masonic knowledge of the gifted Editor . There
were 144 exhibitors , the lots running to the surprisingly large number of 1172 . A special medal was struck to commemorate the event , the design exhibiting the Municipal and Masonic support of the City and Province respectively . However subsequent exhibitions may possibly excel the Worcester , as respects the extent and value of the collections , it is not likely that the generous and hearty reception extended by . the Prov . Grand
Master , the Mayor , and the province , as well as the inhabitants of the city , to the numerous and distinguished visitors , will ever be excelled . It was in every sense the complete success that it deserved to be , thanks mainly to Bro . Taylor and to certain Past Masters of the Worcester Lodge , who did their utmost for the welfare and comfort of all concerned ; and from that remarkable gathering may be dated the great interest that is now taken in Masonic history and Antiquities .
The heavy expenses were contributed chiefly by the Prov . G . Master , the Mayor of Worcester ( Bro . W . B . Williamson ) , and a pro rata voluntary levy on the lodges , in the form of a guarantee . Other provinces would do well to follow the example of York and Worcester , just as Shanklin has so ably done .
The quartette was completed on the gth September , 1886 , under the immediate patronage and support ol the R . W . Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Prov . G . M ., and Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , P . G . D ., the Dep . Prov . G . M ., by the holding of the largest Exhibition yet , at "The Chalet , " Shanklin , kind / y lent for the occasion . The moving spirit from beginning to end has been Bro . Alfred Greenham , W . M . of the "Chine Lodge , " No .
1884 , on whose behalf the effort is made to liquidate the debt on the Masonic Hall , which is a building worthy of the Craft in the Isle of Wight . It is the first thrown open to the public , a moderate charge being made for admission , and the catalogue being sold as at York and Worcester . The Exhibition from a Masonic point of view has proved successful beyond the sanguine anticipations of Bro . Greenham ' s older confreres , who
congratulated him most warmly on his triumphant management . Bro . Greenham , as Editor of the bulky catalogue , wisely took the one of Worcester as his model , and-I had again the pleasure of adding a few explanatory notes , though as a rule , the articles have been so ably described that my part of the work has been comparatively light . The number of exhibitors show a considerable decrease as compared with Worcester ( No . 3 ) , but the lots are
much more numerous , there being the extraordinary total of 1471 , so that what with the late arrival of lists , the exigencies of printing , and the utter impossibility of examining the majority of the exhibits prior to publication , the wonder is not that there are a few errors to be found in the catalogue , but that considering the circumstances the Editor has been able to compile such an interesting volume , with the hearty co-operation of Bro . George
Taylor , G . L . Shackles , and other large collectors . The aid rendered by Bro . Taylor has been most helpful , not only as respects the catalogue , but particularly in the arrangements of the enormous collection of Masonic works , medals , clothing , attd other objects of great worth and importance , In magnitude , value and interest , the Masonic Exhibition at Shanklin is by far the superior of the quartette , though in some aspects the third (
Worcester ) has undoubtedly the prior claim . Take the fourth , however , all round , it will be difficult to beat , which is all the more extraordinary because of the geographical position of the Isle of Wi ght . We may well , therefore , maintain that if Shanklin can so succeed , any of our large centres of population in the prov inces might surely hope fprat leastasimilar triumph , and even a still larger display of Masonic antiquities .
Ihe Medalhc portion of the Exhibition , thanks to Brothers Taylor and Shackles chiefly ( not forgetting Brothers Newton and Lamb-Smith ) , far exceeds in rarity and extent any other collection in the world . Of the known medals about 500 are represented , and several will be found in the Catalogue which are entirely unknown to writers on the subject , so that whether as respects scarcity or novelty , value or importance , the Shanklin Cabinet of
medals is without a rival , A cursory examination even of the Catalogue will make this quite clear , but in order to illustrate the point , I will allude to a few of the British class . 289 ( Robinson ) and 845 ( Taylor ) represent the Medal of the Eoyal Alfred Lodge ( extinct ) of Oxford , of which only three others are known , one being in possession of the Apollo University Lodge , Oxford , formerly in Bro . Marvin ' s collection . 407 ( Royal Cumberland
Lodge , No . 41 , Bath ) , 1207 ( Enoch Lodge , No . 11 ) , and 841 ( Taylor ) are specimens of the valuable Freemasons' Hall Medal , the latter having been used as a personal decoration . I have given a history of it in my " Masonic Register , " 1878 . 128 ( C . Williams ) and 317 ( Newton ) were quite unknown to us as collectors in England . until recently , and I believe were struck in 1836 to commemorate the Centenary of the Grand Lodgeof Scotland . Unknown to merzaort
, and but one chronicled by Marvin . In view of the sesquiccntcnnial celebration this year , these souvenirs of the earlier celebration by the Grand Lodge of Scotland are curious and valuable . The jewel of the " Nine Worthies " is also most noteworthy . None of the official impressions of 1 S 02 are in the Exhibition . There are , however , seven out of
the original nine in the museum of the Grand Lodgeof England . Those exhibited are earlier specimens of a design , evidently adapted later on by the '' Atholl " Grand Lodge . Brothers Newton ( 326 ) , Lamb-Smith ( 359 ) , and Cumberland ( 1350 ) have sent one each , that of Brother Cumberland Being a special variety .
Masonic Exhibition At Shanklin.
The medal shown by the " Royal Cumberland Lodge , " No . 41 , Bath , and myself , of 1819 , is very rarely met with , and had quite been lost sight of until my recognition of it in Marvin's " Masonic Medals , " there being no indication of its connection with the City of the Baths , save the date of the opening of the Freemasons' Hall .
1 here are , of course , a great variety of edges of the " Masonic Halfpenny , ' they being "plentiful as blackberries , " Masonically speaking . The die was struck in 1794 ; the "Penny" form , however , is scarce . The engraved jewel , 352 , of 1780 , and the fine Chelsea enamel , 354 ( Lamb-Smith ) , are reproductions of older forms , especially the former , which I have traced back to 1730 , for which see No . 1462 ( Hughan ) .
The pierced jewels are exceedingly fine , among them being some rare and choice specimens , especially those of Bros . Taylor , Lamb-Smith , Le Feuvre , Francis , Cox , Robinson , Cumberland ( 1340 ) , and Collingridge . The beautiful specimen in silver ( 56 ) of Bro . Le Feuvre ' s , and one similar in design , McGachen
No . 1470 ( Major ) , are especially noteworthy . Some exhibited are of the style of the noted •'Price" medal , which made 18 dollars at lhe Masonic sale on June 21 st , 1 S 81 . Several of the engraved jewels are in a very good state , and of beautiful designs , those of Bros . Shackles , Cumberland , Robinson , and Francis calling lor special mention .
The medal No . 379 ( Lamb-Smith ) , noted and illustrated in Bro . Francis' " History of Sussex , " is to be seen in fine form under 1463 , sent by Bro . Lloyd . Bro . Newton ' s , 328 , is the only one of the kind 1 have ever seen , and is particularly valuable . ( In copper . ) The lodge jewels of the " Musselburgh Kilwinning , " exhibited by Bro . Lamb-Smith ( 362-4 ) , of Scottish desi worth
gn , are particular attention , as also 387 , " a Freemason formed out of the materials of his lodge , " which design in a print is well known , but not in the medallic form . 651 ( Shackles ) , the " Prince Mason ' s Medal " of Dublin ( Smith delin ., Mossop sculp . ) , is a capital representative of the Emerald Isle , and K . T . bad ges and jewels are well cared for bv Bros . F . H . Goldney and G . P . Brockbank . -
Some ^ of the grandest medals in the collection , are in the English class of Bro . Taylor ' s magnificent contribution . 842-4 are three gems , representing the old , modern and centenary styles of the Grand Stewards' Lodge , 848 introducing possibly the gem of the exhibition , viz .: The Country Stewards' Lodge jewel , sparkling with brilliants , massive in character , and until described so interestingly by Bro . Taylor , was practically unknown to the Craft .
The Special Centenary jewels of lodges , 46 , 71 , 96 ( Taylor ) , 120 , 3 bis ( Glasgow)— -Cumberland—368 extinct ( Newton ) , 85 ( Dr . Drury ) , and others , should be carefully examined , as also the Special Lodge Jewels or Medals of Nos . 2 , 16 , 259 , and the " Polish National " ( Bros . Kenning , Taylor , and Lamb-Smith ) . The medal commemorative of the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales in 1875 , forwarded by Bro . Shackles , is
a capital souvenir of that never to be forgotten ceremony , and I understand impressions are still to be had , struck by Bro . George Kenning . The miniatures , ordinary and special Masonic medals sent by Bro . Kenning will doubtless attract attention , but are too many to be particularised by me , as also others of undoubted interest , exhibited by Bros . Humphris ( especially his 82 ) , Cox { note 80 ) , Goldney ( vide 100-4 ) , Milledge ( 149 , 150 ) , Laughton 16 6056
( 3 ) , Lay ( - ) , Lincoln ( 180 , Battersea enamel , 1772 ) , Dickinson ( 1 S 4 ) , Neilson , Meyer , and Lane ( specially 1389 , 1390-2 , the impressions being extra sharp and probably proofs ) . The "Samaritan" Jewel 285 ( Robinson ) , I believe is issued , under certain regulations by the " Louisiana Relief Lodge , No . I , " New Orleans ; the members of which do no Masonic work , save to relieve the needy and the afflicted , without regard to jurisdictions or countries .
The foreign medals exhibited by Bro . George Taylor and Bro . G . L . Shackles , much as I should like to allude to ihem , must be passed over , for a whole Freemason would be required to do them justice , and , fortunately , they are all so well described by these indefatigable collectors , that they tell their own tale . I can state , without hesitation , that such a combination of scarce and valuable , as well as deeply interesting and historical medals have never been exhibited before , and many are not only unique , but most choice impressions .
The old and new forms of the celebrated Masonic Veterans' medals ( Shackles and Hughan ) should be noted . So numerous are the certificates from Bro . J . H . Neilson and others , that but lew can be particularized , those exhibited by me , originally owned by Bro . Benjamin Plummer , who was at one time or other connected with the "Modern , " and "Ancient , " Craft and Arch , unauthorized French lodges in England ( to which Bro . Speth has drawn attention ) and the
Baldsvyn Encpt . ) i 45 ° -5 ) almost deserve a little prominence , as also the warrant of the Athol Grand Lodge of 1764 ( No . 1401 of Catalogue ) . The engraved lists are a splendid help to the value of the Exhibition , Bro . Taylor having kindly sent one of 1763 ( unique ) , 1766 ( unique ) , 1770 , 1776 and 1778 . R . Cumb . Lodge , Bath , 1764 ( unique ) , Bro . Francis ( Havant ) 1767 ( with plate of 1766 ) , and Bro . John E . Le Feuvre , one of 1770 . Eight copies in all .
The facsimile ( exact size ) of the rare 1725 , of which only one copy is known , sent by me , is a choice specimen , and the reduced facsimile of the same issue , exhibited by Bro . John Lane is to form an attractive feature of his " Masonic Records" of lodges 1717—1886 , to be issued in a few weeks . The quarterly proceedings of Grand Lodges from Bros . Neilson and
I racy are valuable for reference , and are simply unobtainable in the ordinary way , the few that ever occur for sale being eagerly bought up . No . 123 , sent by the veteran Mason , Bro . Wilson , ot Darlington , I should like to have by me for a few hours examination . ( The note under 120 applies to Bro . Wilson , who , I believe , is the oldest subscribing Mason in England ) .
In MSS . besides facsimiles sent by Bro . Kelly and others , particularly the one exhibited by Bro . Greenham , W . M . 1884 ( 1276 ) , the two gems in Bro . Taylor ' s collection deserve particular attention , as they form one of the most distinctive groups in the Exhibition ( 1034-5 ) , Cole ' s MS . in the editions of 1729 , 1731 , and 1751 are notable exhibits . To render the set complete there should be 1762 and 1794 ( in the Freemasons' Magazine ) .
The complete set of " Books of Constitutions , " Grand Lodge of England , and the " Atholl" Grand Lodge are special features in Bro . Taylor ' s library , and have never been exhibited in such a state before . Indeed , I am not aware of any other brother having the whole of the editions from 1723 to 1886 , regular and unauthorised , Bro . Le
Feuvre being only one short in the series of the Grand Lodgeof England , and that the small copy of 1865 . Beyond question , this complete set of the Regulations of both Grand Lodges will render the Shanklin Exhibition remarkable in Masonic bibliography . Bro . Taylor ' s copies of Plot ' s " Staffordshire , " 1686 ( one of the earliest typographical accounts of Free-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Exhibition At Shanklin.
by the Chief Adept , Frater T . B . Whytehead , IX . This was a much more ambitious and important gathering , a capital account of which was written by the Chief Adept in the Freemason for May and June , 1884 . There were 36 exhibitors and some 430 lots , the variety and value of which more than repaid the brethren who worked so hard to ensure the success of the undertaking . Then came the great Masonic Exhibition ( the third of the series ) , held
at . Worcester on August 271 b , 1884 , and following days , under most distinguished auspices . The R . W . Bro . Sir Edmund A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., the Prov . Grand Master , and the Worshipful the Mayor of Worcester were most lavish in their hospitality , and the houses of many of the residents in the city were thrown open for the entertainment of numerous Craftsmen . The Masonic soiree was a great success , the address of welcome
being delivered by the Prov . Grand Master , and the Dean of York ( the Rev . P . Purey-Cust , Past Grand Chaplain ) , explained to the brilliant assemblage of ladies and gentlemen , the principles and aims of the Fraternity . The reception was in the Guildhall , kindly lent for the occasion , and other rooms were utilised in that grand building for the numerous exhibits . The Hon . Secretary was Bro . George Taylor , assisted by Bro . J .
Randle Buck . The catalogue was edited most efficiently by Bro . Taylor , who also arranged the . vast collection , and worked with such determination and vigour , that the extent and importance of the collection was a pleasant surprise to many . I had the duty of supplying a few notes , so as to draw attention to those of a special character , and have great pleasure in testifying to the zeal and general Masonic knowledge of the gifted Editor . There
were 144 exhibitors , the lots running to the surprisingly large number of 1172 . A special medal was struck to commemorate the event , the design exhibiting the Municipal and Masonic support of the City and Province respectively . However subsequent exhibitions may possibly excel the Worcester , as respects the extent and value of the collections , it is not likely that the generous and hearty reception extended by . the Prov . Grand
Master , the Mayor , and the province , as well as the inhabitants of the city , to the numerous and distinguished visitors , will ever be excelled . It was in every sense the complete success that it deserved to be , thanks mainly to Bro . Taylor and to certain Past Masters of the Worcester Lodge , who did their utmost for the welfare and comfort of all concerned ; and from that remarkable gathering may be dated the great interest that is now taken in Masonic history and Antiquities .
The heavy expenses were contributed chiefly by the Prov . G . Master , the Mayor of Worcester ( Bro . W . B . Williamson ) , and a pro rata voluntary levy on the lodges , in the form of a guarantee . Other provinces would do well to follow the example of York and Worcester , just as Shanklin has so ably done .
The quartette was completed on the gth September , 1886 , under the immediate patronage and support ol the R . W . Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Prov . G . M ., and Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , P . G . D ., the Dep . Prov . G . M ., by the holding of the largest Exhibition yet , at "The Chalet , " Shanklin , kind / y lent for the occasion . The moving spirit from beginning to end has been Bro . Alfred Greenham , W . M . of the "Chine Lodge , " No .
1884 , on whose behalf the effort is made to liquidate the debt on the Masonic Hall , which is a building worthy of the Craft in the Isle of Wight . It is the first thrown open to the public , a moderate charge being made for admission , and the catalogue being sold as at York and Worcester . The Exhibition from a Masonic point of view has proved successful beyond the sanguine anticipations of Bro . Greenham ' s older confreres , who
congratulated him most warmly on his triumphant management . Bro . Greenham , as Editor of the bulky catalogue , wisely took the one of Worcester as his model , and-I had again the pleasure of adding a few explanatory notes , though as a rule , the articles have been so ably described that my part of the work has been comparatively light . The number of exhibitors show a considerable decrease as compared with Worcester ( No . 3 ) , but the lots are
much more numerous , there being the extraordinary total of 1471 , so that what with the late arrival of lists , the exigencies of printing , and the utter impossibility of examining the majority of the exhibits prior to publication , the wonder is not that there are a few errors to be found in the catalogue , but that considering the circumstances the Editor has been able to compile such an interesting volume , with the hearty co-operation of Bro . George
Taylor , G . L . Shackles , and other large collectors . The aid rendered by Bro . Taylor has been most helpful , not only as respects the catalogue , but particularly in the arrangements of the enormous collection of Masonic works , medals , clothing , attd other objects of great worth and importance , In magnitude , value and interest , the Masonic Exhibition at Shanklin is by far the superior of the quartette , though in some aspects the third (
Worcester ) has undoubtedly the prior claim . Take the fourth , however , all round , it will be difficult to beat , which is all the more extraordinary because of the geographical position of the Isle of Wi ght . We may well , therefore , maintain that if Shanklin can so succeed , any of our large centres of population in the prov inces might surely hope fprat leastasimilar triumph , and even a still larger display of Masonic antiquities .
Ihe Medalhc portion of the Exhibition , thanks to Brothers Taylor and Shackles chiefly ( not forgetting Brothers Newton and Lamb-Smith ) , far exceeds in rarity and extent any other collection in the world . Of the known medals about 500 are represented , and several will be found in the Catalogue which are entirely unknown to writers on the subject , so that whether as respects scarcity or novelty , value or importance , the Shanklin Cabinet of
medals is without a rival , A cursory examination even of the Catalogue will make this quite clear , but in order to illustrate the point , I will allude to a few of the British class . 289 ( Robinson ) and 845 ( Taylor ) represent the Medal of the Eoyal Alfred Lodge ( extinct ) of Oxford , of which only three others are known , one being in possession of the Apollo University Lodge , Oxford , formerly in Bro . Marvin ' s collection . 407 ( Royal Cumberland
Lodge , No . 41 , Bath ) , 1207 ( Enoch Lodge , No . 11 ) , and 841 ( Taylor ) are specimens of the valuable Freemasons' Hall Medal , the latter having been used as a personal decoration . I have given a history of it in my " Masonic Register , " 1878 . 128 ( C . Williams ) and 317 ( Newton ) were quite unknown to us as collectors in England . until recently , and I believe were struck in 1836 to commemorate the Centenary of the Grand Lodgeof Scotland . Unknown to merzaort
, and but one chronicled by Marvin . In view of the sesquiccntcnnial celebration this year , these souvenirs of the earlier celebration by the Grand Lodge of Scotland are curious and valuable . The jewel of the " Nine Worthies " is also most noteworthy . None of the official impressions of 1 S 02 are in the Exhibition . There are , however , seven out of
the original nine in the museum of the Grand Lodgeof England . Those exhibited are earlier specimens of a design , evidently adapted later on by the '' Atholl " Grand Lodge . Brothers Newton ( 326 ) , Lamb-Smith ( 359 ) , and Cumberland ( 1350 ) have sent one each , that of Brother Cumberland Being a special variety .
Masonic Exhibition At Shanklin.
The medal shown by the " Royal Cumberland Lodge , " No . 41 , Bath , and myself , of 1819 , is very rarely met with , and had quite been lost sight of until my recognition of it in Marvin's " Masonic Medals , " there being no indication of its connection with the City of the Baths , save the date of the opening of the Freemasons' Hall .
1 here are , of course , a great variety of edges of the " Masonic Halfpenny , ' they being "plentiful as blackberries , " Masonically speaking . The die was struck in 1794 ; the "Penny" form , however , is scarce . The engraved jewel , 352 , of 1780 , and the fine Chelsea enamel , 354 ( Lamb-Smith ) , are reproductions of older forms , especially the former , which I have traced back to 1730 , for which see No . 1462 ( Hughan ) .
The pierced jewels are exceedingly fine , among them being some rare and choice specimens , especially those of Bros . Taylor , Lamb-Smith , Le Feuvre , Francis , Cox , Robinson , Cumberland ( 1340 ) , and Collingridge . The beautiful specimen in silver ( 56 ) of Bro . Le Feuvre ' s , and one similar in design , McGachen
No . 1470 ( Major ) , are especially noteworthy . Some exhibited are of the style of the noted •'Price" medal , which made 18 dollars at lhe Masonic sale on June 21 st , 1 S 81 . Several of the engraved jewels are in a very good state , and of beautiful designs , those of Bros . Shackles , Cumberland , Robinson , and Francis calling lor special mention .
The medal No . 379 ( Lamb-Smith ) , noted and illustrated in Bro . Francis' " History of Sussex , " is to be seen in fine form under 1463 , sent by Bro . Lloyd . Bro . Newton ' s , 328 , is the only one of the kind 1 have ever seen , and is particularly valuable . ( In copper . ) The lodge jewels of the " Musselburgh Kilwinning , " exhibited by Bro . Lamb-Smith ( 362-4 ) , of Scottish desi worth
gn , are particular attention , as also 387 , " a Freemason formed out of the materials of his lodge , " which design in a print is well known , but not in the medallic form . 651 ( Shackles ) , the " Prince Mason ' s Medal " of Dublin ( Smith delin ., Mossop sculp . ) , is a capital representative of the Emerald Isle , and K . T . bad ges and jewels are well cared for bv Bros . F . H . Goldney and G . P . Brockbank . -
Some ^ of the grandest medals in the collection , are in the English class of Bro . Taylor ' s magnificent contribution . 842-4 are three gems , representing the old , modern and centenary styles of the Grand Stewards' Lodge , 848 introducing possibly the gem of the exhibition , viz .: The Country Stewards' Lodge jewel , sparkling with brilliants , massive in character , and until described so interestingly by Bro . Taylor , was practically unknown to the Craft .
The Special Centenary jewels of lodges , 46 , 71 , 96 ( Taylor ) , 120 , 3 bis ( Glasgow)— -Cumberland—368 extinct ( Newton ) , 85 ( Dr . Drury ) , and others , should be carefully examined , as also the Special Lodge Jewels or Medals of Nos . 2 , 16 , 259 , and the " Polish National " ( Bros . Kenning , Taylor , and Lamb-Smith ) . The medal commemorative of the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales in 1875 , forwarded by Bro . Shackles , is
a capital souvenir of that never to be forgotten ceremony , and I understand impressions are still to be had , struck by Bro . George Kenning . The miniatures , ordinary and special Masonic medals sent by Bro . Kenning will doubtless attract attention , but are too many to be particularised by me , as also others of undoubted interest , exhibited by Bros . Humphris ( especially his 82 ) , Cox { note 80 ) , Goldney ( vide 100-4 ) , Milledge ( 149 , 150 ) , Laughton 16 6056
( 3 ) , Lay ( - ) , Lincoln ( 180 , Battersea enamel , 1772 ) , Dickinson ( 1 S 4 ) , Neilson , Meyer , and Lane ( specially 1389 , 1390-2 , the impressions being extra sharp and probably proofs ) . The "Samaritan" Jewel 285 ( Robinson ) , I believe is issued , under certain regulations by the " Louisiana Relief Lodge , No . I , " New Orleans ; the members of which do no Masonic work , save to relieve the needy and the afflicted , without regard to jurisdictions or countries .
The foreign medals exhibited by Bro . George Taylor and Bro . G . L . Shackles , much as I should like to allude to ihem , must be passed over , for a whole Freemason would be required to do them justice , and , fortunately , they are all so well described by these indefatigable collectors , that they tell their own tale . I can state , without hesitation , that such a combination of scarce and valuable , as well as deeply interesting and historical medals have never been exhibited before , and many are not only unique , but most choice impressions .
The old and new forms of the celebrated Masonic Veterans' medals ( Shackles and Hughan ) should be noted . So numerous are the certificates from Bro . J . H . Neilson and others , that but lew can be particularized , those exhibited by me , originally owned by Bro . Benjamin Plummer , who was at one time or other connected with the "Modern , " and "Ancient , " Craft and Arch , unauthorized French lodges in England ( to which Bro . Speth has drawn attention ) and the
Baldsvyn Encpt . ) i 45 ° -5 ) almost deserve a little prominence , as also the warrant of the Athol Grand Lodge of 1764 ( No . 1401 of Catalogue ) . The engraved lists are a splendid help to the value of the Exhibition , Bro . Taylor having kindly sent one of 1763 ( unique ) , 1766 ( unique ) , 1770 , 1776 and 1778 . R . Cumb . Lodge , Bath , 1764 ( unique ) , Bro . Francis ( Havant ) 1767 ( with plate of 1766 ) , and Bro . John E . Le Feuvre , one of 1770 . Eight copies in all .
The facsimile ( exact size ) of the rare 1725 , of which only one copy is known , sent by me , is a choice specimen , and the reduced facsimile of the same issue , exhibited by Bro . John Lane is to form an attractive feature of his " Masonic Records" of lodges 1717—1886 , to be issued in a few weeks . The quarterly proceedings of Grand Lodges from Bros . Neilson and
I racy are valuable for reference , and are simply unobtainable in the ordinary way , the few that ever occur for sale being eagerly bought up . No . 123 , sent by the veteran Mason , Bro . Wilson , ot Darlington , I should like to have by me for a few hours examination . ( The note under 120 applies to Bro . Wilson , who , I believe , is the oldest subscribing Mason in England ) .
In MSS . besides facsimiles sent by Bro . Kelly and others , particularly the one exhibited by Bro . Greenham , W . M . 1884 ( 1276 ) , the two gems in Bro . Taylor ' s collection deserve particular attention , as they form one of the most distinctive groups in the Exhibition ( 1034-5 ) , Cole ' s MS . in the editions of 1729 , 1731 , and 1751 are notable exhibits . To render the set complete there should be 1762 and 1794 ( in the Freemasons' Magazine ) .
The complete set of " Books of Constitutions , " Grand Lodge of England , and the " Atholl" Grand Lodge are special features in Bro . Taylor ' s library , and have never been exhibited in such a state before . Indeed , I am not aware of any other brother having the whole of the editions from 1723 to 1886 , regular and unauthorised , Bro . Le
Feuvre being only one short in the series of the Grand Lodgeof England , and that the small copy of 1865 . Beyond question , this complete set of the Regulations of both Grand Lodges will render the Shanklin Exhibition remarkable in Masonic bibliography . Bro . Taylor ' s copies of Plot ' s " Staffordshire , " 1686 ( one of the earliest typographical accounts of Free-