Posted 11 years ago
veronique
(2 items)
This is about 5 inches tall and I thought it was a vase, but a Mason told me it is a "Firing Glass," a glass you drink out of at a special toast.
It has got all kind of freemason symbols etched into it. The bottom is very heavy, I think you plonk it down on the table to make a loud noise.
This is a real beauty!
I'm dizzy! My iPad won't let me see this straight..lol...
Anything that is Masonic related that is available or seen by the general public is a rarity as we all know.
Yes the walls have come crashing down of late but as a society they are very aware of their artefacts and tools of their trade so to speak. And very rarely let items leave the lodges. If a lodge closes for what ever reason an item like this might be offered to the larger lodge in a state or next town.
I knew they had glasses for toast but have never seen them. I thought or imagined they used something more similar to the Christian offering such as silver. It makes sense though to be red, maybe the colour of blood to act as part of their ritual?
In each country the Masons take different views of interpreting what can be told and what remains secret in their society and rituals.Over here they have a community television programme where they have started to show the various aspects of the society . This I am going to suggest we ask in our community to see if this is a very ornate version or just the normal type they use. I think it's stunning. Not just because of it's look but because of it's historic significance. Might not be worth anything spectacular but for me to see something like this is a great history lesson and I thank you for showing it to us.
Fantastic. I hope the instructions helped?