En: Revolutionary War Era Royal Arch Mason Jewels

Revolutionary War Era Royal Arch Mason Jewels

Source: Phoenixmasonry

This beautiful hand-made Royal Arch Mason jewel dates to the Revolutionary War and is a fine example of what early Masonic jewels looked like. This jewel has the name of the Lodge and the name of an individual owner. It is engraved Abrm HARDENBERGH, LIVINGSTON LODGE No. 23. It also has the original owners "mark" which is the "sheaf of wheat" on the chapter penny within the circle K, S, H, T, W, S, S, T. These letters are esoteric and cannot be explained here. Royal Arch Masons remember the order of the these letters with the humorous phrase "King Solomon Had Twelve Wives Some Say Twenty". Both sides of this jewel display the Three Great Lights which are the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. Other working tools on this jewel are the plumb, level, 24 inch gauge, common gavel, chisel and trowel. Other symbolism includes the Sun, Moon and Stars, as well as Jacobs Ladder. It measures 3 inches tall and 2 inches wide and is made of silver. It is a wonderful example of early craftsmanship.

Background Sketch of Abraham Hardenbergh

This background sketch is speculation and needs further research, especially into the location and history of Livingston Lodge No. 23, but given the strength of Masonry in old New York, his military and civil career, his social station, and family connections, he is certainly a strong possibility. There are several other men of that name in the family line/NY area, but none of appropriate date.

Abraham Hardenbergh, was born 5 September 1756 in Marbletown NY, son of Leonard and Rachel (Hoogteeling) Hardenbergh. He was a lieutenant during the Revolution and made important contributions as a cartographer. After the war he was appointed a surveyor by the Surveyor General of New York, Simeon DeWitt, for which services he was awarded 1200 acres. With Moses DeWitt, he was responsible for surveying Onondaga County. He was married to Jane Verick, sister of Robert Verick, an important New York City attorney who helped found Jersey City, New Jersey, and who became Speaker of the Assembly in 1788. Abraham died rather young in 1794 (his widow later married his boss, Simeon DeWitt), but enjoyed a full and well-connected career in his short life of only 38 years.]]

Masonic motif with a central eye, above script engraving: Lockwood N. De. Forest / Jerusalem Chapter N¦o¦ (¦o¦ superscript with 2 dots beneath) 13 / Bridgeport (Conn) / June 8¦th¦ (¦th¦ superscript with 2 dots beneath) 1826

Inscription: One side engraved with a central motif of a sailing ship, signed by the engraver, C. Foote, and encircled by the script letters: K·S·H·T·W·S·S·T Dimensions: 1 15/16 x 3 1/16 in. (4.9 x 7.8 cm)