Name

Masonic Memento Mori Stick

Origin/date 

UK, 1899. The cane belonged to Dr. Wilson from Birtley (engraved on the silver collar). The collar is fully marked although only three out of four are legible: the lion for stirling, the anchor for Birmingham and the letter Z for 1899. Around that time there was indeed a Dr. Wilson active in Birtley. There are a few references on the internet about the activities of a Dr. Wilson, a medical doctor, from Birtley.  

Material and dimensions

Ivory, rosewood, silver. Stick is 89 cm. long, handle 11 cm.

Description

On one side of the handle a skull with two crossed bones and the text: ‘Memento Mori’. On the other side

a carved square and compass. The silver collar is highly decorated with scrolls and floral designs.

Provenance

Belgium, Antwerp, antiques dealer

Literature

Some references to the activities of Dr. Wilson from Birtley around 1900:

http://www.dmm.org.uk/reports/3494-02.htm

http://www.connectedhistories.org/Search_results.aspx?pc=Birtley&ct=n&st=720