The fraternal order of the Freemasons is a philosophical society of civic-minded gentlemen who perpetuate their beliefs through allegory, symbols, and the artisan-implements of the guild from which they are derived. From 1782 to 1788, the Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, of which George Washington was a member, conducted their meetings in local taverns. Ritual toasts and songs were punctuated by participants simultaneously slamming their emptied glasses upon the table. Because the resulting concussion sounded like gun fire, the heavy bottomed tumblers were also known as a "firing glasses." This example is decorated with the lodge's name on one side and Masonic compass and square on the other.

See also decanter and stopper, M-3881/A-B.