On Friday March 20th 2010, WBro David Smith PPrJGD repatriated an Unidentified Fraternal Object to the Edwinstowe Lodge No 3998, much to the delight of all present, especially the grandson of the WM with whom it was associated, now an honourary member of the Lodge.

The wooden item, measuring 5.25” x 2.5” x 0.75”, is adorned with the Edwinstowe Lodge crest on its sliding lid accompanied by the text “Edwinstowe Lodge No3998” & “Installation 1929”, being the installation of WBro Charles Marshall (obit), grandfather of WBro Alan Marshall PPrGReg.

This article was discovered on an antiques fair which WBro Smith bought with the sole intention of returning the item to its rightful home for which the Lodge expressed its gratitude. It will take pride of place in the new display cases at Mansfield Masonic Hall.

As there is no mention of the item in the Lodge minutes it is assumed that it was presented at the Festive Board; popular opinion is that it could have been a cigar box, having a recess in the base to perhaps take a fat cigar, whilst the remaining 2/3rds of its base width could maybe have housed thinner cigars for the Officers? Any observations as to its actual intended use would be appreciated, please.

Bro A M Crampton.