Post #4230 by martiki on Wed, Jul 24, 2002 10:35 AM

A Master Mason to be precise. I just found a vintage fez from the 40s at an antique shop. It's in great shape, and constuction quality is really excellent- leather band around the inside brim, thick felt with little vents in the top, huge tassel. No, I didn't earn it, but it is cool. I'm pretty sure it must be from the Asiya Shrine Center of San Mateo, as they are also known as Shrine Islam.

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Bunker/7583/

My fez also has "Islam" in large letters and says "Potentate's Aide", so I like to imagine it belonged to the guy who made sure the Potentate's drink never went dry.

I'm hoping that Bruce can shed some light on the meaning of this role. I'd also like to get it cleaned prefessionally and wondered if he had any suggestions. Mr. Smiley?

-martin