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Silver from the Collection of Jimmy Weldon
1 AN IRISH SILVER MASONIC JEWEL, DUBLIN C.1810,mark possibly that ofWilliam Doyle orWilliam Law, in the figure of Mercury, with ring suspension, (c.23cm).
7cm high
There is a long history of Masonry in Ireland with the Grand Lodge of Ireland as the second most senior Grand
Lodge in the world and the oldest in continuous existence.While there is some contention of the official begin-
nings of the order, one story dating back to the time of King Solomon and the construction of his temple, the
year celebrated by the Grand Lodge is 1725 as it relates to the oldest reference to the Masonic order in Ireland
in the DublinWeekly Journal of 26 June 1725.The article focused on a meeting of the Grand Lodge to install a
new Grand Master,The 1st Earl of Rosse.While the first recorded use of term‘Freemason’ is in a City of Lon-
don manuscript dated 1375, which includes reference to regulations for the society; duties to God, church and
country.The origins are also closely linked to the tradition of local organizations of stonemasons, dating from
the end of the 14th century when the qualifications and activities of tradesmen became more regulated.The
status and reputation of these guilds rose to such a height that it was common for prominent figures of society
to become honorary members. As an all-male institution the focus on fraternity is a central tenet of the order,
with a strong emphasis on communion and brotherhood between men. The symbolism of the order is often
displayed in Masonic jewelery such as rings, lapel pins and cuff-links. Members with other Masonic degrees,
such as KnightsTemplar, wear Masonic jewellery displaying symbols of the KnightsTemplar sword, cross and
other ancient symbols of the fraternity.
€ 200 - 300
1810:On the 3rd May 1810:English poet Lord Byron swims the Hellespont (modern day Dardanelles)