Description:
One of two blown, colorless lead glass firing glass or Masons' glass with an ogee bowl decorated with copper wheel-engraved Masonic symbols (square and compass), short multiple spiral opaque twist stem, thick, flat foot, and rough pontil mark. These symbols refer to the teachings and practices of the secret fraternal organization of the Free and Accepted Masons. Upholding the principles of morality, charity, and obedience to the law, Masons became a very popular and powerful civic organization in colonial and early America. Their members included many of the most famous Americans such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. According to Arlene Palmer: "Masons' glasses or firing glasses were designed with short stems and thick feet for ritualistic toasts that Freemasons offered at their meetings. When pounded on the table in unison, the glasses generated a sound like a cannon shot, hence the name "firing" glasses. Because they were so closely linked with Masonry, they were called Masons' or Freemasons' glasses even when undecorated. The square and compasses symbolized reason and faith..... References to Masons' glasses in the American colonies occur as early as November 23, 1761..."
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+65.132A |
