Lot 2034

Description

Scotland or USA, Masonic jewel, ornately handcrafted in gold (15ct, tot wt 32.3g) and blue enamel, by Hay, incomplete hallmark, but date letter and Edinburgh Castle symbol for 1878, reverse inscribed 'Presented/To/Bro. J.Hunter/as a Token of Esteem/by/The Bretheren/of the/Charleston/Kilwinning Lodge/No.487 S.C.'. Extremely fine, as made, in a contemporary case.

This item was discovered recently in the lower South Island of New Zealand, probably being brought there by a Scottish immigrant in the late 1800s.

This jewel is a bit of an enigma, having been made by John Hay who was believed to have worked in Leith (Edinburgh) between 1851 and 1881. The Scottish Masonic records do not indicate a lodge with such a name or number. It is possible the jewel may have found its way to South Carolina in the USA and been presented by the Charleston, Kilwinning Lodge there. The incomplete hallmarking for the piece may be an indication that it was for export.

Worthy of further research.