Masons' Marks of Lodge "Operative" No. 140 (original) (raw)
MASON’s MARKS.—In some of the, earlier numbers of A.Q.C. and in those recently issued, contributions on "Masons' marks" have been printed. On looking over the minute book of Lodge "Operative," No. 140 S.C. (the history of which I wrote some months ago), there is a list of "The Mark Masters and their Marks," dated 1776 et seq. This Lodge has the distinction, along with Lodge No. 150 "Operative," Aberdeen, of being composed of operative masons only, so that these marks would be used in marking tools, etc. The majority of these bear the triangle on top such as
Diamond shapes were also popular—
Arrowheads came next as to numbers—
The Square and Compasses were, strangely enough, not common—
Only two Hour-glass marks, and two 4’s, and a few with X on top
I send these as a small contribution that may perhaps interest you.—James Smith, S.W., 63 S.C., Dumfries.
The above thirty Masons' marks were copied in 1851 from stones of underground walls of Old Trinity Church, Edinburgh, founded by Mary of Guelders, consort of James the Second of Scotland.The church was being demolished, for what reason is not stated. It stood on the north side of the valley which separates the New from the Old Town. The North Bridge was immediately on the west of the chapel, and the market place very near to it.
The above nine Masons' marks were copied in 1852 from stones removed from the east end of the choir of Manchester Collegiate Church, supposed to have been erected in the middle of the 15th centary. The stones were removed to make some additions to the Church. What became of them is not known, but great trouble was experienced in obtaining permission to take copies. —A. Abrahams, Adelaide.
Reprinted with permission of Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, the Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, UGLE vol iv (1891). [pp. 242-43.].