An
Illustrated Glossary of
Masonic Collecting Terms
and
Symbolism
Browse
the glossary by clicking on any of the letters below.
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Alphabetically Arranged with
Cyclopedic Meanings and Bible References
Introduction
This illustrated
glossary has been produced with the intent of informing collectors of
the meaning of many of the words they encounter in reading, or in discussion
with fellow Masonic collectors. Some terms chosen for the index headings may not
be those commonly used by a particular Lodge, Grand Lodge or group of
individuals. But, in an effort to bring standardization of terminology
to the hobby of Masonic collecting, I have preferred one term over another.
Wherever
possible, illustrations -- compiled from many sources -- have been included in
the glossary, to allow for better visualization of the meaning of a particular
term, through exemplification. It would have been an exhausting task,
however, to track down visual examples of every term; for many terms,
illustrative materials were not readily at hand.
I
expect that I may have missed out some terms. If so, I apologize. But if
you care to suggest what such omissions might be, I will incorporate them in a
future revised edition of this glossary.
Regardless of what its shortcomings may be, I hope you will find this a useful
reference tool.
Additions
to this glossary can be made by contacting the webmaster@phoenixmasonry.org
Bibliography
and
Sources of Information
A New Encyclopedia of Freemasonry;
by Arthur Edward Waite, © 1970
by University Books Inc.
A Glossary of
Terms Used in Phaleristics - The Science, Study, and Collecting of the
Insignia of Orders, Decorations, and Medals; by Alexander J. Laslo ©
1995
Bespangled Painted &
Embroidered; Masonic Aprons in America from 1790-1850., published by the
Northern Scottish Rite Jurisdiction © 1980.
Born in Blood; The Lost Secrets of
Freemasonry, by John J.
Robinson, published by the M. Evans and Company, Inc., New York, ©
1989.
Encyclopedia
of American Silver Manufacturers; by Dorothy T. Rainwater.
Encyclopedia
of Freemasonry; by Albert G. Mackey, published by The Masonic History Company,
© 1929.
Fraternally Yours: A Decade of
Collecting. Scottish Rite Museum of Our National Heritage, Lexington, MA ©
1985.
Gould's History of Freemasonry; Vols.
1-4. revised and edited by Rev. Herbert Poole, distributed
by Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company, Inc. © 1958.
Holy Bible: The Great Light in
Masonry; published by the A. J. Holman Co. ©
1940.
International
Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, The; by Alan Axelrod;
published by Facts on File, Inc. ©
1997.
Macoy's Masonic Manual, containing
the Rituals of Freemasonry embraced in the Degrees of the Lodge, Chapter and
Encampment, by Robert Macoy, Fifteenth Edition ©
1853.
Masonic Collectibles; by George B.
Spielman, printed by Oak Printing, Inc., Funkstown, Md. ©
1990.
Masonic Symbols in American
Decorative Arts; Scottish Rite Masonic Museum of Our National Heritage,
Lexington, Massachusetts. © 1976.
Masonry
Defined; A Liberal Masonic Education; by E. R. Johnston, National Masonic
Press, Inc. © 1930.
Material Culture of the American
Freemason; by John D. Hamilton, published by the Scottish Rite Museum and
Library in Lexington Mass., © 1994.
Secret Societies
of All Ages and Countries, The; by Charles William Heckethorn, In two volumes;
by University Books © 1965.
Secret Teachings of All Ages;
concealed within the Rituals, Allegories and Mysteries of all Ages., printed for
Manly P. Hall by H.S. Crocker Company, Incorporated, San Francisco ©
1928.
Theatre of the Fraternity: Staging
the Ritual Space of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 1826-1929. by C. Lance
Brockman, distributed by University Press of Mississippi.
Trade Marks of
the Jewelry and Kindred Trades. Third edition. The Jewelers' Circular
Publishing Co.
United States & Canadian
Patent Office records.
Worshipful Masters Assistant; The
Useful Encyclopedia of Useful Knowledge, by Robert Macoy, published by Macoy
Publishing and Masonic Supply Co. Inc. ©
1885.
Copies of various manufacturers',
retailers', wholesalers', and mail-order catalogues.
And, last but not least, I am
grateful for information contributed to this glossary by the following
collectors:
- Harry Greene
- Jerry E.
Stotler
- Al Lohman
- Stephen Kapp
- Bart P. Snarf
- Denis P.
McGowan
- Misha Taylor
- David Hamilton
- Nick Saunders
- Stephan Patrick
- Joe Opauski
As
"Thanks" for the support given to this project by my fellow
enthusiasts for the subject... I dedicate this glossary.
David
J. Lettelier
