Unique Masonic Train Set for Sale

I never thought I'd be finding train sets on my blog, but here we are. I think this item would be great for any Mason with an interest in model trains. I've NEVER seen a Masonic train set before. This is very unique indeed. I noticed there are no bids on this item, at the time of this post. It is unique so I do not know the value of this item. I don't think you will see an item like this listed on E-bay anytime again in the near future. Even looking at the boxcars I can see various signs of the different masonic bodies. You should go to the E-bay post via this link to see more of the pictures... and bid accordingly if you are interested. Unique Weaver Masonic Train Set

Very Interesting Masonic Coded Ritual Book from 1913 on Sale at E-Bay

I saw this listing and thought it worthy of mentioning here. It is a ritual book from 1913. I don't know what jurisdiction this particular book is from but I have one almost identical to it in my personal collection. When you open the book you have the ritual but many of the words are represented by symbols. A Mason familiar with the ritual would have no trouble making out the ritual in the book and begin to understand all the symbols, but someone not familiar at all with the ritual would be utterly lost. It was a great way at the time to keep the ritual a secret. Now of course you can download the ritual from the Internet word for word but this book is a great part of Masonic history and represents a time when secrecy was a large part of the Masonic tradition.

Here is the link to the listing: Masonic Coded Ritual Book from 1913


I'd like to mention a couple things though about this listing. I hate when they refer to Masonic items as OCCULT. Why do they do that? A quick search on E-bay on items using "occult" in their title brings up items about Wicca, Magi ck, sorcery, demons and Masonry. This drives me nuts. And this particular book vendor has a couple of books on Masonry. Well this is one of my pet peeves. When I'm in a book store it also bothers me that they list masonic books many times in the Religion section. It should go under the philosophy section. Does this bother anyone else?

One last note... This item I highlighted today is starting at $75. I think they should have started the listing much lower. For those with money this is a great find but they may be asking a bit too much for a ritual book. They are hard to come by though so I guess if the market can fetch the price then it is earned...

Masonic Barong from Philipines for Sale - Very Interesting

I think I found something neat today. The other day I found kilts at a great price with choice of Masonic or clan accessories included in the price. Today it is a Filipino Barong. I looked at the listing and I couldn't believe the detail in the stitching. The masonic symbols, pillars, etc... and it looks like it would be very comfortable in a formal setting on a hot day. How many of us have wanted to increase the AC in the lodge room and you can not get it quite high enough on the hot days as the brethren sweat in their suits? Perhaps this is the answer? I've never worn one of these but perhaps I may have to check into this myself. If a Filipino brother can comment on the suitability of this item for lodge functions that would be great!!!

Interesting Masonic Barong (XL) on E-bay

Rare Late 1800s Grand Commander Knights Templar Apron and Sash for Sale

I am not a member of this particular body of Masonry but I could not pass up posting this amazing set of items. An apron and sash in this reported condition is indeed a rare find if it is from the late 1800s, as reported by the seller. The seller is offering to take bids on this item or sell it outright at a given price. So take your chances and try to bid and get a better price or go for it and guarantee you get the set today by paying the Pay It now Price. I think this would be a great addition to a collector, especially if it is to be displayed in a case for others to see. A great prize for a Masonic Museum too...

Check it out... Rare late 1800s Grand Commander Knights Templar Apron and Sash Set

A Personal Note

Hello Brethren all,

I wanted to make a note that I'll be planning a trip with some other brethren to head down to New Hampshire on a weekend Lodge visit from July 13-14th, 2007. We will be travelling to Nashua, NH to visit Rising Sun Lodge. If any brethren from the NE of the USA are available they can get me by leaving a comment here and you can just tell me not to publish the comment if you wish. I'd really like to meet some of the brethren that visit the site and put a name and face to an IP address. Let me know... and I'll keep you informed as my plans solidify.

OK I know I owe you a few E-bay items to look at now...

Disclosure

Well I've been meaning to do this since I started highlighting e-bay items. I should provide some disclosure on my link with E-bay and the fraternity.

I am a Past Master from the GL of NS in Canada. We are a regular lodge that is recognized by all the Grand Lodge bodies I am aware of, except perhaps co-masonry and female masonic bodies, although I know a few female brothers and they will not be shunned by me although I will not be able to sit in lodge with them. I'm sure there are a few others that are not or that we do not recognize but that list would probably be the same for most regular Grand Lodge bodies. And yes we do recognize Prince Hall lodges although I'm sad to say I've never been to a Prince Hall lodge yet... But I plan on it eventually. Any invites to attend lodges are always welcome. I'm also well below the average age for masonry... and show like a sore thumb in a lodge hall with my young looks and my white legs sticking out from under my kilt.

I will also disclose that people using my site to connect with E-bay listings are helping me out as well. I do receive a small portion of the fees E-bay collects from the seller when you use my links. It doesn't cost you anything... E-bay pays me. I have a young family and a fairly new business so your patronage to my site is appreciated. I do not get rich from this site but coffee money is nice and it gives me an excuse to look for novel E-bay items that may interest the brethren. A small hobby...

Masonic Kilt Kit for Sale at a Great Price

I could not believe this when I saw it. As many of you may or may not know, I wear a kilt to lodge almost every meeting. I love it and wear it with pride. Of course I get the occasional joke about not being able to afford pants. Let them laugh because nothing shows your Scottish or Irish Ancestory like a kilt. That being said... to fully equip a kilt with all the trimmings can be quite a costly affair. I was browsing through my own site under my "Buy It Now" page and found this great deal. Masonic Kilts for Sale at a Great Price
It is drop-shipped out of Canada. Oh wait I'm from Canada. But no matter, I can guarantee you would be hard pressed to find a kilt and everything to go with it for a price that comes close to this, including a heavy shipping fee. I also think I know the supplier but I have not researched this. If it is who I think it is then they sell a very good quality kilt. Also note this kit comes with much more than just the kilt itself. Buying your kilt in a kit like this could save you hundreds of dollars.

A couple of things a kilt buyer should watch is the weight of the kilt and make sure they measure you properly for the kilt or ask your measurements over the phone to size you up properly. Show your pride and buy a kilt today!

PS - If you are a Shriner in Nove Scotia, Canada.... They are looking for more members for their "Elite" Scottish unit. You don't have to be Scottish but you need the proper regalia to be a member. We don't even ask if you like Haggis either... but it helps.

Rare 1800c Masonic Heart-Shaped Brass Tobacco Box

This neat item has to be seen by any serious collector. It is obviously not cheap (as a piece like this shouldn't be anyway) but for the avid collector it would be a great addition. I love the engraving on the piece. It has masonic history all over it... you can feel it just looking at the pictures. I can imagine in real life it would be a great conversation piece. Take a look and bid accordingly.
1800c Masonic Heart-Shaped Brass Tobacco Box

Please remember if you want me to watch for anything in particular or if you have an item you are selling on e-bay of masonic interest.... Let me know and I'll mention it here. Readership for this blog is increasing and the support of the brethren who have begun reading this blog regularly is greatly appreciated.

Rare Stereoview of Civil War Masonic Hall in Folly Island, SC (1864)

This item in E-bay looks interesting and not too expensive for a collector of Masonic items. I looks very interesting with some historic value and carries a uniqueness that would be sought by any masonic collector. Rare Stereoview of Civil War Masonic Hall, Folly Island, SC

Take a look and make a bid to have this item in your collection.

Masonic Handmade Oak Walking Cane

Today's find on E-bay for the inquisitive Mason looking to collect or purchase something unique is a fine Masonic Handmade Oak Cane. Click on the link and check out the craftsmanship in this cane. I think it is quite impressive. With a set price on this item any mason can get it now at a decent price on E-Bay. Only $125 for a handcrafted piece of Masonic wood-art. Definitely worth a look....

Vintage Rare Gold and Silver Masonic Fob Cross on E-Bay

I was surprised to see this item on E-bay today. I've only seen one of these in my life and they are very interesting and highly prized by their owners. Take a look at it. These fobs are highly sought after, from what I understand. They are a ball that open out to a cross and are covered with masonic symbolism inside the cross. Currently at time of this writing the top bid was $66. My opinion is that this would be a steal considering it is gold and silver artwork.
Click on the link to the E-Bay listing for more details...

Vintage Rare Masonic Fob Gold and Silver Cross on E-bay

As a note: If anyone that reads my blog is ever listing masonic items on E-bay... let me know. I'd be happy to mention it.

"National Treasure" Prop for Sale

OK so the Masonic connection on this item is a bit of a stretch. The movie "National Treasure" is however one of the more recent movies with heavy references to the Craft. So this item which is actually a replica of the original prop is quite interesting. It is a replica on one of the puzzle pieces they found on the boat that was frozen in the North. It is called the Meerschaum Pipe.

For a serious collector this would be a neat addition although a bit pricey for a replica of a prop. Check out the link for more details...

"National Treasure" movie prop

Antique Lodge Pillow

Wow I found this item quite interesting. Look at the hand work on this. I figure this pillow would be a nice addition to any brother. And the price is right too.... At least for now! Under ten dollars and a very nice pillow is yours.
Antique Masonic Lodge Pillow on E-Bay
Click on it and check it out... Check back often and see what other Masonic treasures I can find.
Want me to keep an eye out for something for you... Drop me a line or comment.

Past Master Medal

As I look through items on e-bay, fleamarkets, antique stores, etc.... I always find PM jewels on display. Here is an axample of one in E-bay today... Past Master Medal on E-Bay

I know that they get separated from people or families fail to realize their importance but I can't help but feel a lose when I see such a fine jewel with a name on the back and a lodge and it is for sale. Does anyone else feel this way?

1860's Vintage Apron

I saw this item on E-Bay and thought it was interesting to point out. It is a shame an apron like this was not kept with a lodge. If you are into collecting masonic regalia you should consider bidding on this item. This bid is time sensitive but at last check it was going for only $67. A steal for an avid collector.... in my opinion...

link to 1860's Masonic Apron auction page

New Direction...

I have not been very good at updating this site. I was having some turmoil in other areas. As well, I didn't really know where I wanted to go with this site. I just had an "ahaaa" moment. I'm forever looking for masonic things on-line, such as books and jewelery. I've therefore decided to start making this site into a masonic resource to find interesting things online, with regards to Masonry. Any ideas?

Again sorry for the delay. I'll get this site back into gear shortly. This is what happens I guess when your cable tow gets stretched.

Canmas

Well it looks like one of the best ideas for Canadian Masonry has come to a temporary end. Canadian Masons in the know where subscribed to a servcie called Canmas. It was a great service where old masonic papers were revived and masonic questions answered by sharing via e-mail with Masons across the country.

Yesterday I was advised that Canmas was coming to an abrupt and sudden end. Someone had reported it as spam to a spam service, thus causing a lot of problems for the administrators of the service. Takes only one person to wreck a good thing. It definatly wasn't spam. It was a voluntary subcribed list that was tyled by a great guy in British Columbia.

Within minutes of gettign this news though... A new Yahoo group was formed to fill the void. If you were subscribed to Canmas and didn't get switched or you are a Canadian mason that wants to be informed, drop a comment here. I'll make sure your set-up. If you are a new subcriber... please advise your lodge. This is a tyled group...

What Have You Done?

What have you done as you've journeyed through life
To aid someone weary or worn with the strife,
Of the battles he's fought or the races he's won.
I ask you again, what have you done?
Have you, as you travelled done all that you could
To practise the teachings of true brotherhood?
Did you lift up the fallen or comfort someone?
Again, may I ask, just what 'have you done?
Have you, when walking along life's weary road,
Having seen some poor fellow with too big a load
Offered to aid him and done all you could?
I don't know if you did, but that's what you should.
Well, your conscience will answer the question, my friend,
And you will be happy or sad in the end.
It's not yet too late, ere life's race be run,
To earn for yourself, "Thou hast well done."

Published in Masonic Bulletin-September 1951

Check This Out...

I have some great ideas brewing for some new posts and some material building up to transfer to the blog but not enough time at this moment to switch it over.

With this thought in mind I thought I would introduce you to my other blog that covers my other interests. It is updated more frequently. Why not come visit and see some of my photos?

Dean's Backyard

In the meantime I'll work on some great new masonic material for this site.

The Summer Break...

Brethren,

I must apoligize that I have not been diligent in posting new material lately. Perhaps this points to an area we can focus on. If you are a member of a lodge does your lodge meet all year round or do they recess for the summer months? If they do recess... do you still hunger for masonic acitivity or do you just forget about masonry until the summons for the next meeting arrives and you wonder where the months have gone?

Please reply in my comment area of this blog. I will also accept links to papers/opinion in other blogs pertaining to this topic.

Your thoughts are appreciated and perhaps we can profit and share in a meaningful discussion...