Dreams Less Sweet Antiques

Description

Amazing, unique and very large (2 meter +) mid-19th century Masonic Lodge ‘Senior Wardens’ ceremonial ritual chair, with hand painted and elaborately carved magical symbols.

The shaped top rail above elaborately shaped and painted back slats with swept arms and square sectioned legs united by stretchers, with carpeted steps.

The back has various figures painted by hand, a five pointed pentagram star within a circle, three circles interfaced with a triangle, a Odd Fellows skull coffin with emblem of mortality, a cock, a man dressed as a Knight Templar of the period and beneath the lower panel of the chair is depicted a lamb bearing a flag, a cross with a serpent entwined, a ladder resting against a cross with a sword and sceptre behind, the hole surmounted by a crown.

There are two inscriptions in cipher on the chair which when decoded read 'In This Sign Thou Shalt Conquer' and 'Establish',

Provenance: Farnworth East Lancs Masonic Lodge, No.350.

Unique and very special Masonic chair that has been featured in a book published in 1917: A Record of Antiquities, and Articles of Masonic Interest, Belonging to the Craft Lodges & RA Chapters by Beesley, and a few mentions and photos can also be found online (see last photos).

A very impressive, unique and decorative item which is very solid and in good condition for period. Some loses to varnish, obvious wear/use marks, scratches to back panel, seat panel is worn.

Very large - Height: 206cm x Width: 71cm x Depth (without steps): 75.5cm.