1890/263

White Metal Medal: Introduction of the Order of Heredom into France. 1809

Classification:- Order/Governing Body; Commemorative

Country of Origin:- France -

Description

Jean Matheus, whose name appears on this medal, was very active in introducing the hautes grades of Masonry into France, He was born July 27, 1757, at Walsheim; was W.M. of Ardente Amitie at Rouen; was warranted Provincial Grand Master for all France, May 1, 1786, by the “Grand Loge Royale de Heredom de Kilwinning.” He established a Chapter at Rouen, and one in connection with the “Loge du Choix” at Paris, 1787, by which probably this medal was struck. He was a man of some prominence at Rouen. member ofthe academy there, and died November 3, 1823. The abbreviations on the obverse will readily be understood with the exception of A-P-H-T-N. T-R-S-T-A signifies Tersheta (the title, perhaps, of the presiding officer), according to Tresor N. N. (where it isengraved), Plate 37, Fig. 3.

Obverse.—A square gothic building with towers on each, corner, perhaps a fortress, from the centre of which rises a tall column, at the top of which is anm open book. 0n the left of the edifice is a draw-bridge open, on the right a ladder. On the front are two small square stones, on one of which, are the square and compasses, and on the other the letter “R’’ Legend, “ L’Ordre De H-D-M Intoduit on fr. Par J. Matheus G.M.P.- 1785” (The Order of H.D.M. intoduced into France by Jean Matheus, Provincial Grand Master 1786). ln exergue, in three lines, the last curving, “ Chap,’, De H-D-M Du Choix A Paris 1809 Jaley’ fecit L.’. A-P-H-T-N,”

Reverse.—Inscription, in eleven lines, “L. T-R-S-T-A. N, Chabouille 1786 II. T-R-S-T-A. L, J, Dorban 1789 III, T-R-S-T-A, C. Durin 1806 IV, T-R-S-T-A. C. A. Thory 1807 Depute T-R- S~T-A. J, P. Rouyer.”

Properties

31 mm. White Metal