Genuine 9Ct Victorian Era Masonic Ball/Orb

9ct Rose Gold and Silver; Rare hinged arms; Detailed hand engraving

This is your opportunity to acquire a beautiful piece of Masonic history, in the shape of a rare Victorian Masonic folding orb (aka ball) watch fob.

The Orb dates from the late 19^th Century and exhibits the amazing workmanship of craftsmen from the Victorian era. These fobs are arguably the most collectible item of Masonic jewellery ever, this one is particularly special due to its age and the quality of its engravings!

It is crafted in silver gilt, (silver coated with 9ct rose gold). The original Victorian orbs were not made of solid gold which is why it’s not possible to date them to a precise year as they don't have a full set of hallmarks. This orb, however, does have the Maker’s Mark "S.L" inside one of its arms along with "9ct".

The orb has four separate arms that act as clasps (this is how to spot an original as on copies the arms are now manufactured as a one-piece clasp), they are all in good condition and close tightly. When they are opened, the ball itself opens out into the shape of a cross, consisting of 6 beautifully hinged pyramidal segments each with 4 faces. Each of the 24 faces bears a hand engraved (not stamped like modern copies) esoteric symbol only decipherable by Freemasons.

The orb is approximately 18 mm in diameter, when opened the cross is 45 mm tall and 30 mm across and it weighs approximately 8.5 grams.

This is a fantastic piece of antique Masonic jewellry and it would make the perfect gift for the Freemason in your life or to become the highlight of a Masonic collection.