Snuff box - Resin - 1860c Masonic Apron Box

1860c Masonic Apron Box

It's made of some type of natural resin.

Masonic apron box, a specialised storage container for Freemasonry pins, cufflinks, or even as a symbolic "compact".

The lid features a detailed relief of a Masonic apron, complete with iconic tassels and fringe, while the sides are often decorated with the "tools of degrees".

*The lid is shaped as a ceremonial apron featuring a collar and jewel design.
*These boxes were traditionally used as trinket or storage cases for small Masonic items like pins, cufflinks, or even as a symbolic "compact".

The history of resin use is divided into natural and synthetic materials, with natural resins used for thousands of years and synthetic resins starting in the early 20th century.

Natural Resin (Oldest Use)
Date: ~200,000 years ago (Middle Stone Age).
Material: Plant resin (derived from conifers like pine) was used as an adhesive to bind stone tools to wooden handles. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks later used them for mummification and sealing.


First Synthetic Resin
Date: 1907 (Patented 1909).
Material: Bakelite (phenol-formaldehyde resin).
Context: Invented by Leo Baekeland, it was the first completely synthetic plastic resin, used widely for electrical insulation, radios, and jewelry.

**Objects:**
All the objects included in this auction originate from my family’s private used collection, which has been passed down through generations of true Masons.

**Important Information:**
Please be aware that there is a possibility of damage, delays, or additional fees associated with local courier transportation, customs checks, and taxes. The recipient of the parcel is responsible for paying the applicable customs charges, duties, or taxes in the destination country.

**Parcel Handling:**
Parcels will be held by customs until any outstanding payments have been made. Any payments not received may result in the parcel being returned, delayed, or, in extreme cases, destroyed. If the parcel is destroyed, no refund will be issued.

**Refused or Unpaid Parcels:**
Refused or unpaid parcels will be returned to me, and it may take up to a month for me to resend them back to the buyer. If the full postage fees are not paid again, the parcel will not be send and case will be reported to Catawiki.

**Missing or Incorrect Address Parcels:**
Parcels with missing or incorrect addresses will be returned to me. This process may take up to a month, and only a resend to the buyer will be possible if the full postage fees are paid.