Unusual Masonic Oak Ballot Box.
Unusual Masonic Oak Ballot Box.
29664
Spencer & Co. Masonic Ballot Box.
A beautiful antique oak ballot box complete with black and white balls, most probably used in a masonic lodge, a gentlemen's club or even a golf club to vote in new members. The oak ballot box fitted with shaped pediment, two turned columns with gilt metal capitals, a circular central aperture to accept the votes, balls, and one central drawer. To the rear is an ivorine label 'Spencer & Co. Masonic Manufacturers, London'. Committees would have used the box for a secret vote or 'ballot' using the balls to register the votes, white balls accept, and black balls reject. This is where the term "black ball" is thought to have originated. The drawer at the bottom would then be pulled out, votes counted, and the result announced.
An excellent ballot box in original condition with wonderful colour and patina. Every Golf Club had one.
Spencer & Co. (now Toye, Kenning, & Spencer) was founded in 1801 and was one of the premier masonic insignia and regalia manufacturers of the time and continues to be one in their original building after being acquire into Toye, Kenning & Spencer in 1947.
Dimensions:
1900-1949
Circa 1910
Oak
United Kingdom
In very nice condition
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://sportantiques.co.uk/golf/general-7/unusual-masonic-oak-ballot-box&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/sportantiques-64hFGwj3-uEHU73t22/stock/646dcadaa2fa3_3_29664.jpg&description=Spencer & Co. Masonic Ballot Box.A beautiful antique oak ballot box complete with black and white balls, most probably used in a masonic lodge, a gentlemen's club or even a golf club to vote in new members. The oak ballot box fitted with shaped pediment, two turned columns with gilt metal capitals, a circular central aperture to accept the votes, balls, and one central drawer. To the rear is an ivorine label 'Spencer & Co. Masonic Manufacturers, London'. Committees would have used the box for a secret vote or 'ballot' using the balls to register the votes, white balls accept, and black balls reject. This is where the term "black ball" is thought to have originated. The drawer at the bottom would then be pulled out, votes counted, and the result announced.An excellent ballot box in original condition with wonderful colour and patina. Every Golf Club had one.Spencer & Co. (now Toye, Kenning, & Spencer) was founded in 1801 and was one of the premier masonic insignia and regalia manufacturers of the time and continues to be one in their original building after being acquire into Toye, Kenning & Spencer in 1947.){kind=link}