Masonic Medal
Fraternal societies of freemasons, first introduced into the American colonies around 1730, became increasingly popular following the Revolutionary War. The enthusiasm for Freemasonry went hand in hand with a growing interest in the Enlightenment and with ideals of equality. Having developed originally out of craft guilds, Freemasonry often adopted symbols of the crafts—for instance the architect's square as a symbol of virtue—as well as religious and heraldic devices. Jewelry formed an important part of the regalia. This shield-shaped silver medal was made as a personal jewel for Lockwood N. DeForest, a member of Jerusalem Chapter No. 13 of Bridgeport, Connecticut. It is engraved with various masonic devices and scripts, as well as with DeForest's own emblem of a three-masted schooner flying a pennant and the American flag and the date June 8, 1826. The signature of the engraver, C. Foote, appears below the sailing ship.
Artwork Details
- Title: Masonic Medal
- Decorator: Possibly engraved by C. Foote
- Date: 1826
- Geography: Made in United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: 1 15/16 x 3 1/16 in. (4.9 x 7.8 cm)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift, 2000
- Object Number: 2000.544
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Multiple artists/makers
1876
William Jay Bolton
John Bolton
1843–48
Tiffany & Co.
1884
Tiffany & Co.
1893
Tiffany & Co.
Charles Osborne
1879
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.