Masonic Lodge Furniture Ensemble

Circa 1913 Masonic lodge furniture including a ceremonial altar, with skeleton key locking inner chamber. This piece is adorned on it's four corners with ornately carved Corinthian columns. There is a brass hand lever on the bottom right which when shifted forward or back, would cause a metal bar on the inside of the inner chamber to shift, thus raising something up and back down again from out of the chamber interior. There is a brown leather pad covering the top of the altar which conceals the inner chamber. This padded top can be locked in place via skeleton key. The altar has a matching brown leather, custom fitted kneeling pad which accompanies it. This piece is removable. There is a silver metal dedication plaque on the front top portion of the piece which reads, Presented By / R.I. Chapter / #269 / O.E.S. / July 1, 1913. Next are two matching king chairs (40x33x31,)with same column detailing. We also have a queen chair (38x29x24,)or deacon chair which is matching to the others but is in a much more simplistic form without the heavy details of the other two. There is one matching brown leather foot pad. Next is a matching bookstand/pulpit with gavel,(34x28x20.) This item has a marble inset top and skeleton key locking cabinet. This lovely piece is embellished in the same manner as the altar and king chair. On either side of the book platform is visible wear from the gaveling of the wood, which in our opinion, adds wonderful character. Last in this ensemble are three matching Corinthian column lamps, (40x13.)All pieces are comprised of quarter sawn oak / tiger oak, are very substantial in weight and are in quite good condition for their many years. Age appropriate wear is in evidence, as is a warm patina.