1890/25

White Metal Medal: To commemorate the patronage of the Craft by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Clarence (George 1V. and William IV.)

Date:- 1802 - Classification:- Person; Commemorative

Country of Origin:- England - Province/Region/District:- Old English Lodges

Order:- Craft (& Freemasonry General)

Description

This, without doubt, the finest of the English Masonic Medals, was issued in 1802, by Bro. W. Rollins, P.M. St. Paul’s Lodge, - No. 38, Birmingham, evidently to commemorate the patronage of the Craft by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Clarence (George 1V. and William IV.) The letters G.P. have been explained to mean “Grand Principal of the Order,” but they refer to H.R.H. being Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch.

OBVERSE.—Accolated busts to right of George, Prince of Wales, and William, Duke of Clarence, the former wearing a collar with the square, and the latter, one with two interlaced triangles, forming a star of five points. In the field on the left the radiant letter G, and on the right the triple tau, also in rays. Legend—Geo. A:F:P: WALL: G.M. GULl: H:D:CLARENT: G:P: Below the busts, Hancock.

REVERSE—Two oval tablets side by side. In that on the left an unfinished arch, supported by two pillars, the rays of the meridian sun darting through the space where the keystone should be, and falling on an altar of three steps. On the front of the altar are the interlaced triangles, enclosing the triple tau, and on its top a triangle; above are three crowns. On theright, leaning against a pillar, is a rod entwined with a serpent, and on the left a long staff, with a banner or curtain. On the left of the left pillar is a trowel, and on the right of the other a dagger. The altar stands on a Mosaic platform. On the steps in front of the pavement are a spade; bar, pick, and cord. In the other tablet are three pillars, the centre one having G over its capital, and a square hanging in front. The right has a level in front and B on its base. The left has a plnmb, and J on its base. The capital of each side pillar is snrmounted by a globe. Between the pillars is a Mosaic pavement with the rongh and perfect ashlars in the foreground, and a trestle board in the centre. Three steps-on which are lying" the Bible, Square and compasses- approach the pavement, in front of which is a coffin, bearing the emblems of mortality, and a monogram H.A. Over the centre pillar is a cluster of seven stars, and above the All•seeing Eye in clouds. On the left of this pillar three small burning tapers. Below them is a five-pointed star, and above them the radiant sun. On the right of this pillar a ladder of three steps, below which is the 47th problem of Euclid, and above which the crescent moon. On the right of the right pillar a sprig of acacia, and on the left of the left an apron (?) Between the two tablets, above, are the coronet and three feathers of the Prince of Wales. A little above, to the left, the square and compasses, and over, an angel flying blowing a trumpet, underneath which are finely cut rays. Beneath the two tablets. below, the arms, crest, and supporters (Beavers) of the Grand Lodge of England. In exergue, W. Hollins, P.M. L.N. 38. MDCCCII., in two lines. Legend, in very small letters, "In Principio Erat Sermo Et Sermo llle Erat Apud Deum Eratque Ille Sermo Deus Et Lux Ista InTenebris Lucit Sed Tenebrae Eam Non Comprehenderunt" (In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; and the light shineth in darkness, but the darkness comprehended it not). At the bottom, outside the legend, "Kempson et Kindon F."

Engraved in M. Plate II., Fig. 40., and in Dr. Oliver's " Revelations of a Square," page 388 (Obv. and Rev.) The symbols of Ancient Masonry are placed side by side with those of the Royal Arch.

(also struck in bronze and silver).