Two Mason Medals... Can You Help?

[Driftwoood]

These two medals have been in my family for a while... no one seems to know what they are all about. The name on both medals (which I have blurred out, as it is a family name) is a common one in our lineage... there are currently three living men in the family with the same name and it has been common for many generations, so it is impossible to pin down who these belonged to going by the name. So, I would like any information any of you might have on these, so I can work on narrowing down who owned these. Is there anyone out there who can decipher all the stuff on these things? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

This first one comes in a nice box:



Here are some close-up pics of all the parts:







This is the back of the medal:



I'll put the second medal in the next post, below.

 

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[Driftwoood]

The second medal:







Thanks for looking... again, any help will be greatly appreciated!

 

[nhbenz]

First one is an 1884 "Past Master" (PM at top) medal
from the Free & Accepted Masons (F & AM at bottom of ribbon)
Crescent Lodge 493, noted on it, is from Pennsylvania if that helps figure out which relative it belonged to: http://data.genealogytoday.com/search/Crescent_Lodge_No_493_F__A_M_1889_Members.html

Second is Knights Templar
I'm sure someone will fill in more details soon

 

[Driftwoood]

Thanks, nhbenz! That will get me started, will give me some thing to google! I'm new to this stuff... never studied these groups. Interesting link! Thanks again!

 

[Bramblefind]

Here is a medal that was listed on ebay which is a similar design to your first piece. It is an old listing so it seems to be that it is only still available through one of the Spanish language sites:

Medalla De Diamante Antiguo pasado Maestro Mason Joya - 14k Dorado y Plata esterlina c1884 | eBay

Past Master


14k Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver




This medal features a large square engraved with multiple Masonic symbols. The symbols include: a ruler, hourglass, open Bible, level, gavel, all seeing eye, plumb, apron, altar, and slipper. Each of the symbols are intricately engraved and are in excellent condition. The all seeing eye is accented by a raised design and adorned by a .04 carat rose cut diamond. Open cut scroll work further accents the sides of the square as seen in the enlarged photographs. Hanging from the square is a box holding the symbol of the Pythagorean theorem or Euclid's problem. The number 493 is displayed atop the box in a scripted open cut design. This sterling silver emblem hangs from a blue ribbon, which shows some wear and is fitted with a 14k yellow gold acccent at each end. The top bar reads "Presented to P.M." and boasts a monogram comprised of the letters JFS. The bottom bar reads J. F. Shellenberger Cresent Lodge 493 and bears a second scripted monogram AYM. The back of the medal is engraved Presented To PM John F Shellenberger Jan'y 14 AL 5884 by Crescent Lodge No 493 AYM.

This medal weighs 26.8 grams. The piece measures 4 3/4" long and 2 11/16" (68.3mm) wide.

 

[Driftwoood]

Here is a medal that was listed on ebay which is a similar design to your first piece. It is an old listing so it seems to be that it is only still available through one of the Spanish language sites:

Medalla De Diamante Antiguo pasado Maestro Mason Joya - 14k Dorado y Plata esterlina c1884 | eBay

That's awesome! Very cool to see another that is so similar. I think we're narrowing down the owner of the first (Masonic) medal... and I assume at this point that the Templar medal belonged to the same fellow. Still have to do more searching for some particulars, but am now further ahead thanks to y'all!

 

[sutphin]

BEAUTIFUL MEDALS

 

[Driftwoood]

BEAUTIFUL MEDALS

Thanks!! I'm really excited to finally learn a bit about them... it helps a lot in getting to know what turns out to be (I think) my great-great grandfather.