Masonic Apron

Date1800-1840

Worn by Charles Norbin Patteson

MediumMetallic embroidery threads on a silk ground with silk ribbon, metallic fringe, leather and wood

DimensionsW: 17"; L: 15"; Length of strings 33".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1983-308

DescriptionThis is a Masonic apron consisting of a rounded rectangular shape of white silk with Masonic symbols embroidered in silver and gold metallic threads and sequins. At the center is a compass and square motif; at right a moon surrounded by seven stars; and at left a sun. At the top of the apron is a small flap lined in blue silk which is folded over along the top edge and is a continuation of the body of the apron. The decoration on the flap consists of an asymmetrical sunburst worked around a leather patch with an eye painted on it. The bottom and sides have a metallic fringe. The edges of the flap have a pleated silk ribbon. The apron strings are long blue cords with wooden ornaments and tassel of the same cord.
Label TextMasonic aprons, such as this one owned by Charles Norbin Patteson of Nelson County, Virginia, were an important element of the fraternal regalia of the society of Freemasonry. They were worn at Masonic ceremonies. Based on the protective leather aprons worn by stonemasons of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, early nineteenth-centuries ones were often ornately decorated in paint, print, or embroidery with symbolic designs. Embroidered aprons may have been the work of the wife or daughter of the Freemason.

MarkingsOn box lid: "My Great Grandfather's Masonic Apron, Charles Norbin Patteson, Given to me by my uncle Julian Patteson, Jessie Patteson, 1964." "Great Grandfather, Charles Norbin Patteson, Massey's Mill Lodge, Nelson County."
ProvenanceThe Masonic apron descended in the Patteson Family, Nelson County, Virginia.

History of owner:
A Patteson family letter states that Charles Norbin (Norborn) Patteson owned land in Nelson County, Virginia from 1832 to 1873. In 1832 he married Adeline S. Loving in Nelson County. They had three children, Henry Clay, Signora, and Charles Pulaski.
The apron descended from Charles Pulaski, to his son Julian Patteson, to his nephew, Jessie Patteson.