fine and rare George III Thomas Harper Masonic jewel,

London 1810, worn by rank of Senior Deacon, in the form of Mercury with caduceus atop a cloud, height 3 3/4, width 2 1/4 inches, some evidence that a clasp may have been removed (see third photo) but excellent overall condition. Harper, himself a Mason of considerable rank and importance, was also an artisan famed for the design and execution of Masonic jewels. He worked for a time in Charleston, and advertised as a goldsmith in the South Carolina Gazette of January 1773. As cited by Ripley in "SC Silversmiths", his shop was "next door to Messrs Alexander Gillon & Co" and he promised to do all work in a manner most reasonable and expeditious.