Antique Walnut Masonic "Black Ball" Membership Voting Box
SKU:
$285.00
$285.00
per item
Antique Walnut Secret Black Ball Voting Box From Port Hudson Barn
Sales Price: $285
Here is an old walnut "black ball" secret voting box used by fraternal organizations to secure approval of membership in the organization. Each voting member was given a white and a black marble. When someone new was proposed for membership, this box was passed around and each voting member inserted a marble. When completed, the box was opened and--if all the marbles inside were white--the new member-nominee was admitted. If there was a black marble inside, the proposed member was deemed "black-balled" and membership was denied. The construction is "old school," with dove-tailed attachments and seams. It is very solid and shows that it was made many years ago, although I have no idea of its age. There is wear around the hole where marbles were placed, so it appears to have been used. From the items with which it was found, it had some type of Masonic connexity -- but this is really only a guess. I have cleaned out the contents, dusted it off inside and out but have not otherwise tried to clean it. The original voting marbles are no longer with the box.
RARE, attractive piece!
Sales Price: $285
Here is an old walnut "black ball" secret voting box used by fraternal organizations to secure approval of membership in the organization. Each voting member was given a white and a black marble. When someone new was proposed for membership, this box was passed around and each voting member inserted a marble. When completed, the box was opened and--if all the marbles inside were white--the new member-nominee was admitted. If there was a black marble inside, the proposed member was deemed "black-balled" and membership was denied. The construction is "old school," with dove-tailed attachments and seams. It is very solid and shows that it was made many years ago, although I have no idea of its age. There is wear around the hole where marbles were placed, so it appears to have been used. From the items with which it was found, it had some type of Masonic connexity -- but this is really only a guess. I have cleaned out the contents, dusted it off inside and out but have not otherwise tried to clean it. The original voting marbles are no longer with the box.
RARE, attractive piece!