19th century rounded masonic apronRounded Masonic aprons were used heavily in the early 1800's because in the 1850's rules were established than made using them generally looked down upon. Today, almost all lodges use the normal square aprons but some lodges are requesting that if their lodge existed when round aprons were used that they should be able to go back to their roots.
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19th century hand painted rounded apronThe 3 enclosed by a wreath most likely represents the 3rd degree Mason which means the member is a full Mason. You can reach higher degrees but a member must join Scottish Rite or another extension of the organization to reach. The highest degree that can be reached is the 33rd degree but that is an honor that must be voted upon by a council.
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19th century embroidered apron with man in templeThis apron is one of the most ornate, embroidered aprons in the museum collection and is very unique in its design. The center of the apron has a man inside of a temple with stars above it, most likely representing God, with two columns on each side with the sun and move above them.
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19th century embroidered rose Croix masonic apron with crossIt has the pelican symbol which is emblematic of the Rose Croix but is unique in that the cross is the center of attention in comparison to the pelican. On each side where columns are normally placed, there are two different types of trees with two different symbols above them. The pattern of the apron is identical to most other Masonic aprons but is unique in that the symbols are all different.
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