Description:

Freemasonry - An impressive collection of Masonic documents with superb engravings An impressive collection of approximately twenty ornate Masonic documents, many relating to James P. Kimball and his family. Kimball was a noted geologist and one time Director of the United States Mint. Offered together with related letters and ephemera concerning Kimball's freemason membership in various Masonic lodges. Some folds, minor foxing and mounting remnants on verso, some still affixed to loose scrapbook pages, else fine condition.

Many of the documents, some engraved on vellum, are masterpieces of the art of printing. One of the most elaborate is an 18" x 14 " lithograph by J.H Bufford dated Boston, May 30,1861 issued to James Kimball certifying his membership into the Boston Lodge replete with incredible scenes of roman ruins and laborers working on a new temple below. The collection also includes a very nice 1851 vellum induction certificate for Kmball's father in the lodge at Salem, 16 1/2 x 10 3/4 in., with a mirrored text accomplished in Latin and a blue silk ribbon woven through the left margin with a red seal at the end. Also of interest is James Kimball's enormous (23 x 17 in.) vellum certificate as a "Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33Œ and HONORARY MEMBER of our SUPREME COUNCIL. ", dated Boston, 16 August 1876. The collection includes many more including blank vellum certificate for a Royal Arch Mason, and velum certificates for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A superb collection of engravings perfect for display.

James P. Kimball (1836-1913) was born in Salem Massachusetts. He first studied at Harvard and subsequently at several institutions in Germany including the Georg-August-Universitít in Gíttingen. He became a professor of Chemistry and Economic Geology at Cornell in he 1850s. His work was interrupted by the Civil War, where he served on the staff of Gen. Irvin McDowell and was present at Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Toward the end of the war, he left the army to work private mining engineer in New York, taking the position of President of the Everett Iron Company. After some time working for the United States Geological survey, he served as Director of the United States Mint from 1885 to 1889. Following his work at the mint, he continued as a private consulting geologist to western mining and railroad interests.

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