Box - Secret ballot urn with a marble-based system - Mahogany - Masonic ballot box

Rare Masonic Voting Urn / Antique Scrutiny Box.
Height 15 cm, width 18 cm, depth 28.5 cm, for a total weight of 1.260 kg.
Splendid and rare secret voting urn with a mechanical ballot box (scrutiny box) dating from the late 19th / early 20th century, historically used inside Masonic lodges and private clubs for admitting members (ballot voting).
The mechanism, designed to guarantee total anonymity, involved inserting the hand through the front circular opening; the curved shape of the structure prevented seeing the color of the marble (ball) chosen, which was then dropped into the rear drawer through a circular channel.
Made in fine solid mahogany with warm natural flame-like grain. Elegant top handle and metal knob on the drawer, worked in metal.
The complete set of original two-tone glass marbles is included (white for a favorable vote, black for a negative vote).
Trivia: from this historic tradition derives the famous English term "to blackball" (to exclude/ostracize).
Excellent antique condition, superb original patina of the wood, mechanism and drawer perfectly contemporaneous and functional. A true rarity for display. Perfect for collectors of esoteric objects, institutional antique items, or as a unique conversation piece for an office or living room.
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