Masonic Past Master's Jewel
James Simmons (active 1802-1813) |
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| Name/Title: | Masonic Past Master's Jewel |  | | Date Made: | 1811 | | | Maker: | James Simmons (active 1802-1813) | | | Nationality: | American | | | Place Made: | USA: New York, New York City | | | Materials: | Gold; silver; copper | | | Measurements: | overall: 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 1/8 in.; 8.89 x 5.715 x .3175 cm | | | Accession Number: | 85.71 | | | Credit Line: | Gift of Mrs. Thatcher P. Luquer | | | Object Type: | Personal Symbol | |
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Gold compasses and quadrant are enclosing a radiant sun beneath a Masonic Royal Arch. The pillars of the arch, drapery, keystone, and central three-step dias are of silver. The pillars rest on a horizontal bar that represents a mosaic pavement. The work is contained within a gold oval ribbon engtraved "Presented by Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2 to W.P.M. Bro. Nicholas Roome New York December 27th A. 5811." The reverse in engraved "His Works Were Approved" and "Bro. J. Simmons Fecit."
Nicholas Roome (d. 1824) was a successful merchant in New York City and served as Master of Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2 from 1809 to 1811. Bro. Roome was also active in Royal Arch Ancient Chapter No. 1 and Knights Templar Columbian Encampment No. 1. The minutes of the I.R.A. No. 2 record on March 17, 1812 that "A Past Master's jewel was presented to W. Bro. Nicholas Roome. Cost $75."
James and Abraham Simmons were in partnership as silversmiths in New York from 1803 until 1813. In 1815 their advertisements began to appear separately as James continued working as a silversmith, and Abraham was listed as an engraver.
From: John D. Hamilton. "Material Culture of the American Freemasons." Lexington, Mass.: Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library, Inc., 1994, page 137-9.
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