Antique Masonic Orb Pendant
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An ingenious antique Masonic orb pendant, dating to circa 1900. At first glance it appears as a compact gold sphere, but releasing its four articulated arms allows the pendant to unfold into a cross formed from six hinged pyramidal sections.The exterior is crafted in 9K gold and bears registered design markings relating to this distinctive patented construction. Once opened, the silver interior reveals an extraordinary collection of individually hand-engraved Masonic symbols, including the all-seeing eye, square and compasses, level, plumb rule, trowel, columns, sun, moon, stars, Bible and other tools associated with Freemasonry.These symbols draw upon the language of stonemasonry and architecture adopted by Freemasonry as allegories for moral and intellectual development. Masonic orb or “cross” pendants became particularly fashionable around the turn of the 20th century.Despite its modest 1.6cm diameter, the pendant has an impressive weight of 11.68g, giving it a pleasing substance in the hand. The articulated mechanism remains functional, allowing it to be worn either closed as an orb or displayed open as a cross.Date: c.1900Metal: 9K gold exterior with silver interiorDiameter: 1.6cmWeight: 11.68gMarks: Registered design/patent marksA particularly intricate example of antique Masonic jewellery and an excellent size for wear as a pendant.b
An ingenious antique Masonic orb pendant, dating to circa 1900. At first glance it appears as a compact gold sphere, but releasing its four articulated arms allows the pendant to unfold into a cross formed from six hinged pyramidal sections.
The exterior is crafted in 9K gold and bears registered design markings relating to this distinctive patented construction. Once opened, the silver interior reveals an extraordinary collection of individually hand-engraved Masonic symbols, including the all-seeing eye, square and compasses, level, plumb rule, trowel, columns, sun, moon, stars, Bible and other tools associated with Freemasonry.
These symbols draw upon the language of stonemasonry and architecture adopted by Freemasonry as allegories for moral and intellectual development. Masonic orb or “cross” pendants became particularly fashionable around the turn of the 20th century.
Despite its modest 1.6cm diameter, the pendant has an impressive weight of 11.68g, giving it a pleasing substance in the hand. The articulated mechanism remains functional, allowing it to be worn either closed as an orb or displayed open as a cross.
Date: c.1900
Metal: 9K gold exterior with silver interior
Diameter: 1.6cm
Weight: 11.68g
Marks: Registered design/patent marks
A particularly intricate example of antique Masonic jewellery and an excellent size for wear as a pendant.b
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