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tline3open  Masonic arms on a G. Boyce salver?

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Author Topic:   Masonic arms on a G. Boyce salver?
gobus

Posts: 9
Registered: Sep 2007

iconnumber posted 10-05-2016 11:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gobus     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote

This heavy 9” salver, of which I bought one of a pair, probably dates from before 1825, when Gerardus Boyce (1795-1880) went into partnership with William Jones and changed his mark accordingly (thanks to Wev’s Ancestry source for this and much else).

I like its plain, retrospective style, and was intrigued by the engraving:

In loosely heraldic language, the shield depicts “a Pelican in His/Her/Its Piety” (feeding its chicks with its own blood—a Christ symbol) and is crested with a Mechanic, having in his dexter hand a Hammer. The encircling ribbon suspends a Rose, a Cross Pattée (with expanding arms), and a gothic letter S.

Obviously this is not a regular heraldic achievement; but what does it mean?

The whole design looks suspiciously Masonic, or even Rosicrucian. The hammer resembles a gavel, for shaping “rough ashlars” into smooth ones; the cross, that of the Knights Templar, hanging from a rose. The pelican is a symbol of the “Rose Croix” (18th) degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (the one with 33 degrees). I cannot explain the letter S. As a non-mason I would welcome any opinion, both for and against this line of speculation.

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Scott Martin
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Registered: Apr 93

iconnumber posted 10-06-2016 01:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Scott Martin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This might help with some further speculation

Religion, mythology, and popular culture

The Heraldic Pelican

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