A silk handkerchief measuring about 1mtr square it was identified by the Grand Lodge Museum in 1912 as a Snuff handkerchief English mid-19th century, they were of various designs and sizes and used in everyday life. They were seen as a sign of status with the bigger and more highly decorated demonstrating the owner’s wealth. It is decorated with various Masonic Symbols, the outer edge has some of the symbols denoting the various officers of the lodge including the Deacons (Dove and olive branch), Treasurer (Keys), Inner Guard (Crossed Swords) and Secretary (Crossed pens). Within the centre of the cloth is the Masters and two Wardens Jewels, the Square, the Level and the Plumb Rule.
Handkerchiefs such as this were made famous by Charles Dickens in his novel Oliver Twist published in 1837 I’m sure you will recall the criminal activities of Fagin and his gang who would train orphan boys to pick pockets for him. After a few days of training, Oliver is sent on a pickpocketing mission with two other boys. When he sees them swipe a handkerchief from an elderly gentleman and Oliver is horrified and runs away.
The handkerchief is in remarkable condition to considering its age, it was donated to the Museum in 1935 by WBro H De Moulpied, who was initiated on the 26th March 1901 into Balfour Cockburn Lodge No.2805, passed on the 30th April 1901 and Raised on the 28th May 1901 and was Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1910, he held Provincial Grand Rank as Grand Standard Bearer in 1910.
