information on Masonic FOB

[Guest Dale Hayward]

My brother recently passed and left me a Masonic Ball Fob. It has the same markings as the one titled "VICTORIAN, SILVER GILT SCREW CATCH", on Brother Mile Martin Masonic FOB Collection. However, mine does not have the screw top but does have all the same symbols. Can you help me to identify the age, history, value, please. I want to insure it properly if valuable enough. Thank you very much. 

 

Dale Hayward, Rockland, Maine 975-1946

[Trouillogan 166]

18 hours ago, Guest Dale Hayward said:

My brother recently passed and left me a Masonic Ball Fob. It has the same markings as the one titled "VICTORIAN, SILVER GILT SCREW CATCH", on Brother Mile Martin Masonic FOB Collection. However, mine does not have the screw top but does have all the same symbols. Can you help me to identify the age, history, value, please. I want to insure it properly if valuable enough. Thank you very much. 

 

Dale Hayward, Rockland, Maine 975-1946

As to its age and origins, you need to look at the assay and maker's marks if it is of precious metal.  You can then look up those marks and find the information.  In some parts of the world, marks are not used and that makes it difficult to say the least!

[Mike Martin 143]

Hi Dale,

It's not actually possible to accurately date this particular variant of orb due to it being silver-gilt (like gold plate but better) and therefore not fully hallmarked although sometimes one of the clasp arms can carry the 9ct mark as they are usually gold and I've not come across their original seller.

One day I might discover one with a patent mark or that appears in a regalia/jewellery catalogue which I could then date. There's also not a lot that can be told about them other than that it is a piece of jewellery that will have been purchased and owned by a pocket watch wearing Freemason at some point early in the 20th Century, The version of the symbols inside are less common than the version that turns up. As to value that is down to market forces and although you will see people listing these or similar on Ebay for fabulous amounts of money, in the $600 - 800 area,  they don't actually sell for that unless the seller is very lucky. This is also very much affected by its condition, weight, etc but if yours is in immaculate condition you could probably expect to get $350 - 450 for it with a favourable wind.