Masonic Mark Masters Medal. Brass. Presented to J.H. Blaisdell. 44 mm x 73 mm, oval. 15.75 grams. Looped at top and suspended from 31 cm brass chain. <strong>Obv:</strong> Depicts a stone arch on which a compass and ruler is hung. Beneath is engraved the name J.H. BLAISDELL 5855 (the 5855 corresponding to the Gregorian year 1855) in large capital letters. <strong>Rev:</strong> The letters HTWSSTKS engraved in a large circle, a hand holding a snake appears in the center. HTWSSTKS stands for "Hiram The Widows Son Sent To King Solomon." All third-degree Freemasons study the story of a man named Hiram Abiff (a.k.a. Hiram the Widows Son.) According to legend, Hiram was chief architect for the Temple of King Solomon. When evil non-believers tried to get the secret masonic passwords out of Hiram, he valiantly refused to tell them and as a result was killed. In Masonic teachings, Hirams story is held up as an example of loyalty. The inscription HTWSSTKS is not only linked with a Royal Arch Mason, but one who made it at least as far as the third degree in that fraternal order. No location is shown is shown on the medal.
