Beschreibung:

Title: Masonic collection of Master Mason Henry F. Kay of the Far Cathay Lodge, 1920’s-30’s, including gold and silver badge pieces, certificate, By-Laws, etc. Author: ** Place: China, etc. Publisher: Date: 1920-40 Description: Comprises: A 14k gold badge on blue ribbon, a Masonic Square and Compass/Hexagram with laurel leaves chained to bar etched “Sinim Lodge 1940-1941” and another bar chained at top “Wor. Bro. H.F. Kay”; etched on verso “Presented to Past Master Henry F. Kay” and “KS” and “14k”. Ribbon on velvet covered backing that is part of a snap-shut self-enclosing thin black display box (stamped in silver “Kong Sun, expert in Masonic Regalia.” Gold portion approx. 3½" long; ribbon nearly 5" long. * Metal and cloth badge with hand-painted enamel decorative piece showing a floating open book over star between two columns on checkered floor and reptile / dragon figure; hanging right angle ruler and other medal symbol at bottom and gold lettered on various colored enamel pieces “W.M. 1930, 131, Far Cathay Lodge 2855 E.C., Hankow." Ruler etched presentation to Kay by the Far Cathay Lodge. Made by Spencer & Co., Masonic Manufacturers, London. Housed in original folding black snap-shut box. Length of entire badge piece approx. 5" long. * Decoratively embossed silver medal with cloth badge lettered “Aegros Sanat Humanitas” and on verso Kay’s name with “No.2855.” Housed in original 2-part display box with soft velvet lining and loose cotton. * A decorative silver right angle ruler with embossed designs and etched “To…H.F. Kay as a mark of esteem from Brother A.E.W. Davis…1929.” Each side approx. 3" long, ring at top for wearing. * Official Masonic certificate from the Master Wardens and Members of Sinim Lodge to Henry Kay granting him Master Mason, dated July 7, A.L.5925, signed by Kay, Secretary F.D. Drake and Grand Secretary Frederick Hamilton, with official embossed Masonic stamp. 8¼x10, folding and tipped inside a small black leather folder/case. * 3 Far Cathay Lodge books: the 1926 By-Laws and Constitution, 2 vols., original gilt-lettered red calf, with Kay’s ownership signature and a 1931 gift inscription from a fellow member in both; By-Laws (1935), red wrappers. * And, By-Laws of the District Grand Lodge of China, Massachusetts Constitution, blue wrappers (1930). Together, 4 metal pieces, a certificate and 4 books. Early rare Masonic items from Master Mason member of the Far Cathay Lodge, Henry Frederick Kay. The activities of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge in China and the Orient date back for over 100 years. In the early 1900’s there was a great awakening of interest in American Masonry in China. The acquisition of the Philippines, the declaration of an “open door policy” by John Hay and a general renewal of interest in the region by Europeans and Americans caused a rapid increase in population of foreigners. In 1903, four dispensations were issued for lodges in China and the Orient, including Cathay, of which was chartered as Sinim of Hankow No. 2855 on the English roster. Shanghai also received its charter in due time and these two lodges are active and flourishing even still to this day. Lot Amendments Condition: Mild wear overall, some patina to silver, gold still quite nice, soiling and other wear to books and case exteriors, other light wear; mostly very good to near fine; gold and badge with enamel pieces about fine. An interesting assemblage of Oriental Masonic collectibles. Item number: 193346