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Masonic Ball Watch Fob
Late 1800s
Maker not marked
England (probably)
Silver gilt
overall: (open): 2"h x 1-1/4"w x 1"d; overall: (closed): 1"h x 3/4"dia.
Gift of the Supreme Council, 33º, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
2015.019

Masonic Ball Watch Fob. Masonic silver watch fob with loop at top. When closed, forms a ball. Four latches hold it closed; three are shaped like crosses, the fourth is a square and compasses with G in the center. Unfolds into a cross shape made up of pyramid sections. Each pyramid has Masonic symbols engraved on the sides.


These types of ball-shaped watch fobs, sometimes described as golden globe and cross fobs, are actually comprised of six small pyramids that form a small ball. This ball fob makes the shape of a cross when opened. Twenty-four different Masonic symbols including the square and compasses, skull and crossbones, sprig of acacia, and six-pointed star (or seal of Solomon), are engraved on the pyramid faces. Decorative watch fobs were extremely popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s and customarily worn with the watch chains attached to pocket watches. For more information, see blog post, March 15, 2016 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2016/03/masonic-ball-watch-fob-more-than-meets-the-eye.html



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