3543

HISTORIC CARVED MASONIC SYMBOL BELIEVED TO HAVE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 12,500.00 USD
HISTORIC CARVED MASONIC SYMBOL BELIEVED TO HAVE

BEEN PRESENTED TO PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON. SEPT. 1793 DURING THE LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE OF THE US CAPITAL.
This extraordinarily historic object is carved in oak & represents the Masonic symbols including stonemasons hammer, trowel & square. The carving is believed to have been presented to George Washington & is most definitely associated w/ the laying of the cornerstone of the US Capital. This tremendously historic occurrence took place on September 18th, 1793, when George Washington, the first President of the United States, assisted by the Grand Master of Maryland, Joseph Clark, in a Masonic ritual laid the cornerstone of our first Capital building. The commissioners awarded Dr. William Thornton for his design and is credited as the First Architect of the Capital in 1793. It is known that Samuel McIntyre also submitted a design for the first Capital & it has been suggested by some that this carving was executed by Samuel McIntyre? The frontice of the carved symbol represents the Masonic figures but the reverse of the panel has embellished in it “GW 18SEP1793”. This inscription had been produced by a carver who apparently heated the blade of his chisel & then created the inscription on the reverse. Beneath this period inscription is a copy of a clipped signature of George Washington, which has been affixed to the board beneath the inscription.
The laying of the cornerstone for the U.S. Capital was a most historic occasion which involved a huge celebration & much fanfare. Washington & his entourage crossed the Potomac River to arrive in the city of Washington & was joined by an escort consisting of the Alexandria Volunteer Artillery. Members of the Masonic Lodges from Virginia and Maryland also attended & of course, George Washington was a member of the Masons and in fact, probably one of the most famous Mason in history. The building was dedicated in the first year of the second term of the Presidency of George Washington. Because it was such a historic occasion, there is a fair amount of historical records documenting the event & all the details that took place. It is very possible that research may actually reveal more information about this wonderful historic object. The piece retains tremendous patina & shows considerable age. Approximately 9” x 9” x 2” thick. CONDITION: there is worm damage primarily on the reverse of the panel; hardly noticeable in the front. The panel appears to have been split at one time in the center & then re-glued w/ animal hide glue a great long time ago. There is a hole beneath the trowel & one near the hammer head. The hole near the hammerhead was filled long, long ago but probably represented the screw holes for mounting the piece. (02-15945) $2,500-12,500.