Brotherly Love Bank, for the Three Grand Principles, a Masonic note promising to pay Brother Secrecy the sum of 1 Shilling, Newcastle, 7 April 1806, serial number A48, manuscript signature of Faithful Hope, with Masonic symbols engraved at left, with a small but beautifully executed hand coloured element, minor mounting remnants on reverse low left corner slightly damaged, overall very fine and rare
Outing unlisted £240-£300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Sir David Kirch Collection of Skit Notes.

View
Collection

Given the issue location, it seems likely that the serial number is A48 because the oldest Masonic lodge in the ‘Province of Durham’ is in Gateshead and is lodge number 48. There are other such Masonic notes known, with several different ‘branches’ and payees known to have been printed. The purpose or use of the notes is unclear.