1890/103

Silver Medal: Death of King Charles XV. 1872

Date:- 1872 - Classification:- Person; Death

Country of Origin:- Sweden -

Description

The dies of this medal were cut by Madame Lea Ahlborn, the lady who is referred to in the note preceding the first medal of this Swedish series (see page 92), and who is perhaps the only female engraver of dies of any note ever known. Her ability may be judged by this piece. The “Ninth Province referred to in the reverse is in the rite of Strict Observance, and “Vicar of Solomon” is the presiding officer (who must be the King of Sweden) of the highest degree, viz.: Master Regerant. For information on Masonic rites practised in Sweden see Fiudel’s (No. 169) and Gould’s (No. 177) Histories of Freemasonry.

OBVERSE.—Bust to right, nude, of Charles XV., below which, in small letters, “Lea Ahiborn.” Legend, “Carolos XV., Rex Sveciae Et Norvcgiae” (Charles XV., King of Sweden and Norway).

REVERSE.—On a Mosaic pavement are two columns, with globes on their capitals, over which falls a cable-tow, with a love-knot in the centre and tassels hanging at the ends. Between the columns is a cubic altar, on which is the Master’s gavel and a palm branch. On the face of the altar is a blazing star, formed by two interlaced triangles, in which is the letter G. On the pavement lie Masonic working tools—trowel, square, compasses, and level, and two crossed swords. Legend, “Laborem. Cum. Pulma Mutavit” (He has exchanged labour for reward). Tn cxergue, “Aeternae Memoriae Nag Snpr Et S. V. Defuncti Lib. Fr. Mur. Prov. IX., MDCCCLXXII.” (To the eternal memory of the deceased Grand Master, and Vicar of Solomon, the Brethren Freemasons of the 9th Province have struck this. 1872).

Properties

56 mm. Silver