Lot 208
Knights Templars of New York.
Rare Books, Maps, Manuscripts & Photographs
Auction: 10 January 2007 at 11:00 GMT
Description
Certificate that 'Our trusty and well beloved Brother Sir Anthony Charleton was by us Dub'd a Knight of the most Noble and Right Worshipful order of Knights Templar... we also certify that he is a Loyal Arch Excellent Mason. Given under our hand at our encampment at New York Island, 25 Sept., 1780, Tho. Stewart, G.M., Cha. Morison, & Peter Tayler, Gmo., Ja. Harvey, scribe', manuscript on vellum, black wax seal, 22 x 19cm, framed and glazed; and a framed silhouette portrait reputedly of Sir Anthony Charleton, 9 x 6cm (2)
Footnote
Note: The Knights Templar is the name of a Masonic-related organization, part of a branch of Freemasonry called the York Rite. The date is very early in the establishment of the Knights Templar in America. We have been unable to find any further information on the individuals mentioned, but imagine that they were the three primary officers and the secretary (scribe) of the commandery where Charleton held membership.
The miniature portrait is reputedly of Sir Anthony Charleton, but dates from c. 1820 and depicts a gentleman in his twenties or thirties.