An exceptional collection of 14 original mid-19th-century issues of The Masonic Review, published in Cincinnati and edited by C. Moore, with issues dating from 1848 through 1853. These surviving periodicals provide a remarkable firsthand record of American Freemasonry during the antebellum period.
The issues contain extensive contemporary material concerning Masonic history, lodge proceedings, degrees and ceremonies, Masonic law and customs, correspondence between brethren, philosophical and religious discussions, and reports from individual lodges and traveling Freemasons. One photographed article, for example, records the experiences of a traveling Freemason visiting Tonawanda Lodge No. 247 near Buffalo and Niagara Falls in 1853, giving the collection significant primary-source historical interest.
Especially impressive are the surviving illustrated wrappers, several of which feature elaborate period typography and engraved Masonic imagery including the Square and Compasses, All-Seeing Eye, columns, working tools, and other traditional symbols. The changing cover designs across the years make the group particularly visually striking.
Visible issues include examples from 1848, 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1853, including Vol. III issues from April, May, and July 1848; Vol. IV February 1849; Vol. V August 1850; Vol. VII November 1851; and Vol. VIII February and May 1853, among others.
The group remains in antique, unrestored condition, with expected age toning, foxing, staining, edge wear, creasing, tears, losses and fragile areas to some wrappers and pages. Several covers also retain early handwritten ownership inscriptions. These imperfections are consistent with period publications approaching 175–180 years old and contribute to their historical character.
Offered together as a substantial archive rather than isolated issues, this collection represents an unusual opportunity to acquire 14 surviving pieces of early American Masonic publishing, combining decorative Masonic iconography with substantial original historical content from the 1840s and 1850s.
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