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Freemasonry, or the movement of free masons, is shrouded in numerous secrets, making its paraphernalia particularly appealing to collectors and investors. The primary interest lies in the signs and orders, which are not only collectible items but also potential objects for investment.
Freemasonry, or the movement of free masons, is shrouded in numerous secrets, making its paraphernalia particularly appealing to collectors and investors. The primary interest lies in the signs and orders, which are not only collectible items but also potential objects for investment.
The history of this movement dates back to the early 18th century. Around 1710–1715, an organization emerged in England that later spread throughout the world, including America and Russia. There are many theories and debates surrounding Freemasonry, including its influence on politics and culture, but for a collector, the material aspect is what matters most—their unique insignia.
The Masonic organization is a kind of 'state within a state' with a clear structure. The basic structural unit is the lodge. At the head of the hierarchy in a particular city or country is the Grand Lodge, to which all others are subordinate.
The movement's origins are linked to the guilds of free masons who carried out construction contracts. The principles of their work formed the basis of the organization: equality and brotherhood. The distribution of earned funds was either equal or based on each individual's labor contribution, which prevented internal strife. These principles became the foundation for the charter and rules of Masonic lodges.
| Degree | Description |
| Apprentice | The initial degree of initiation into Freemasonry. |
| Fellow Craft | The second degree, the next stage after Apprentice. |
| Master Mason | The highest rank, vested with supervisory and oversight functions. |
Within Masonic lodges, there is a strict gradation and hierarchy that reflects a member's journey through the organization. This system includes several main degrees of initiation, as well as a number of offices responsible for various aspects of lodge life.
In addition to the main degrees, there are also functional roles within the lodge. For example, treasurers are responsible for finances, and special musicians provide musical accompaniment for rituals. There are also 'watchers' who perform supervisory and oversight functions. This complex system ensures the lodge functions as a self-sufficient microcosm.
Masonic phaleristics is a closed and complex topic. Unlike state awards, Masonic orders do not have clearly defined statutes explaining for what merits a particular sign is awarded. The interpretation of symbols depends on the inner world and degree of initiation of the lodge member, changing over time.
Most antique orders, especially those from before the 1960s, are made of precious metals: silver, gilded silver, or gold, often using precious and semi-precious stones. These are items of fine jewelry work, custom-made. Each such sign reflects the historical period and the personal fate of its owner, which gives it special value.
Despite the lack of a strict classification, Masonic orders can be conditionally divided into several main groups according to their purpose and affiliation.
Among Masonic awards, there are both widespread and unique specimens. One of the most common is the order of the Buffalo Lodge. These insignia exist in various designs, often reflecting the owner's social status: a regular member might receive a silver order, while a count could commission the same one in gold with precious stones.
Another interesting example is the 'Most Excellent Zerubbabel' orders. Zerubbabel was the head of the Jewish community in Babylon who rebuilt King Solomon's temple. Orders were issued in his honor, which could also be made of silver or gold. The reverse side of such insignia often features an engraving indicating the merits and identity of the recipient.
Identifying Masonic orders is a difficult task due to the secretive nature of the subject and the lack of unified catalogs. Information is fragmented and must be gathered piece by piece. Nevertheless, there are specialized publications that can help the collector.
One such source is the 'Avers No. 9' catalog, which represents one of the first serious attempts to systematize knowledge about Masonic phaleristics. It describes a significant portion of the insignia, allowing for the identification of many items from collections. There are also specialized websites where enthusiasts collect and publish information about Masonic awards.
