RARE 1916 MASONIC PRESENTATION GAVEL – UNIVERSITY LODGE NO. 610 F.&A.M.Presented to Worshipful Master Harry C. BeuryDeeply Tied to the Historic UPenn Academic Lodge & Philadelphia’s Famous Beury DynastyUp for auction is a magnificent, authentic piece of fraternal and collegiate history. This masterfully turned wooden presentation gavel features a deeply aged, engraved silver-plated band presented to Worshipful Master Harry C. Beury in 1916.📜 THE INSCRIPTION READS:"Presented by University Lodge No. 610 F.&A.M.""To Harry C. Beury W.M. 1916"🏛️ UNRIVALED PROVENANCE & HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE1. The Elite "Academic" Lodge (UPenn Roots):Founded in Philadelphia in 1895, University Lodge No. 610 is legendary as one of America's first true "academic lodges". It was established strictly by students and alumni of the University of Pennsylvania who modeled it after the traditional elite collegiate lodges of Oxford and Cambridge. This gavel sat at the very head of this highly prestigious, intellectually elite lodge just prior to the U.S. entering World War I.2. The Historic Beury Dynasty Link:The recipient, Harry Cockill Beury (b. 1869), belonged to one of the most prominent industrial, civic, and philanthropic families of early 20th-century Philadelphia. When you own this gavel, you own an artifact directly connected to two massive Philadelphia landmarks:Temple University Connection: Harry C. Beury's brother, Dr. Charles E. Beury, was the iconic 2nd President of Temple University (serving 1925–1941). He is the namesake of Beury Hall on campus and the historic Art Deco Beury Building skyscraper on Broad Street.Theatrical Connection: His other brother, James P. Beury, was a wealthy theater impresario who famously owned the Walnut Street Theatre—the oldest continuously operating theater in English-speaking America. James notably financed and launched the Marx Brothers' very first major hit musical on Broadway!🔍 ITEM CONDITION & SPECIFICATIONSType: Ceremonial Master’s Presentation GavelYear: 1916 (Dated on Band)Material: Turned light hardwood head with an engraved dark-patina silver-toned metal band.Condition: Excellent antique/vintage condition with marvelous historical character. The wood head exhibits beautiful, authentic fine-surface craquelure (patina cracking) that guarantees its age. The metal band features a deep, rich original tarnish.Note to Collectors: This item is being sold in its raw, untouched state. We have not polished or chemically cleaned the metal or wood to ensure its highly sought-after historic patina remains entirely intact for your display or archives.Perfect for serious collectors of Masonic memorabilia, Philadelphia civic history, University of Pennsylvania alumni, or Temple University historical artifacts.