This engraved silver fish slice was presented to John Colson Smith from his colleagues in recognition of his service as Founder Master of Lodge Zetland from 1845 to 1847. Freemasonry was established in Singapore in 1845, with the consecration of Lodge Zetland No. 748 (later renamed Lodge Zetland in the East No. 508). Prior to his arrival in Singapore in 1843, John Colson Smith was Principal of the Penang Free School. Smith later became as Headmaster of Singapore Institution (present-day Raffles Institution) from 1843 to 1852. He was an important figure in the establishment of the Singapore Institution Library (predecessor of the current National Library and National Museum) – serving as its first Secretary and Librarian.
