9ct Gold & Silver-Gilt Masonic Ball Fob, Spectrum Antiques
9ct Gold & Silver-Gilt Masonic Ball Fob, Spectrum Antiques
£525.00
Description
A wonderful antique Masonic ball fob — a clever, tactile object that sits closed as a sphere and unfolds into a cross of six hinged pyramids, each face hand-engraved with a wealth of Masonic symbols including the square and compasses, the all-seeing eye, skull and crossbones, sun, moon, blazing star, ladder and various working tools. The gold framework holds the ball together with shaped arms; when opened, the engraved silver-gilt pyramids fan out into their cross form.
In its closed shape the ball echoes the "ballot ball" used in Masonic voting, and originally these were worn as a discreet sign of membership — suspended from a watch Albert, worn as a pendant, or carried as a charm. Fully hallmarked and made in England, circa 1930, it is a substantial and beautifully made example of one of the most collectable of all novelty fobs.
Details
Metal: 9ct gold frame and outer with silver-gilt engraved pyramids, fully hallmarked
Design: hinged ball opening into a cross of six pyramids, each face hand-engraved with Masonic symbols
Marks: full English hallmark, "Made in England," circa 1930
Function: opens and closes; wearable as a fob, pendant or charm
Dimensions: 19mm x 21mm (closed)
Weight: 13.1g
Condition: Good, with patina and light wear consistent with age; mechanism functions as it should
Era: Vintage, circa 1930
https://www.spectrumantiques.com/products/9ct-gold-silver-gilt-masonic-ball-fob
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Product REF: SAO326
