Past Masters
Some members of fraternal groups chose to have their portrait painted or photograph taken wearing jewels of office, speaking to their pride in being elected or appointed to the position. Many opted to display a different kind of badge, a Past Master’s jewel, in their portraits.
Unlike badges of office, which are owned by the lodge, Past Master’s jewels are presented as gifts to outgoing Masters in appreciation of their leadership. Many Past Master’s jewels produced in the United States in the early 1800s featured the Masonic symbol of a sun within compasses, with a quadrant connecting its legs. However, like jewels of office, Past Master’s jewels take various forms in different states, reflecting the traditions and history of different Masonic jurisdictions.
