Help please with these marks on a custom piece

Discussion in 'Jewelry' started by PACKRAT, Mar 19, 2017.

  1. PACKRAT

    PACKRAT Well-Known Member

    Eastern Star 5-1632x918.jpg Eastern Star 2-1632x918.jpg Eastern Star 3-1632x918.jpg Eastern Star 4-1632x918.jpg Eastern Star 1-918x1632.jpg Hello all. First let me thank those of you who commented on my barber chair. I appreciate it very much. The attached pictures are of a custom pin presented to my grandmother in Glasgow. I can not come up with the marks. Also...is this a collectable item? Hope to sell.
     
    Any Jewelry and komokwa like this.
  2. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    First of all, it says 14ct, which stands for 14 carat gold, a gold fineness of .585.
    There is a lot of symbolism in this beautiful piece, the names, abbreviations, symbols, and 'in hoc signo vinces', was your grandmother a Masonic (Knights Templar) high priestess?
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2017
  3. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    Very nice.
    FSR is the maker and it is 14CT meaning 14k gold
    The arrow at the mark suggests it is the War Dept military arrow.
     
  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    By the arrow do you mean the three marks underneath W.H.P.?
     
  5. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    Yes it is very similar to the War Dept arrow, however there is one at the top too, so it may be just the pattern.
    I`m thinking Ladies Freemasons or Salvation Army, SOJ could be Soldier.
     
  6. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

  7. Ladybranch

    Ladybranch Well-Known Member

    This badge is of a chapter of the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalum. It was and may still be considered an arm, allied orders, of freemasonry. It was 1st organized in 1884 in Chicago. As of c1980s the "Order of Eastern Star does not recognized the legitimacy if this organization" according to the following publications. A Supreme Worthy High Priestess is the residing officer.

    Top of page
    https://books.google.com/books?id=_ZlnhfcwbMkC&pg=PT191&lpg=PT191&dq=officers+of+the+order+of+the+Eastern+star+worthy+high+priestess&source=bl&ots=GGCjIHcZ20&sig=MMIpQDBY2TTspaN9bm37vXvH6SU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjMy_ropuPSAhVT12MKHdvnBEkQ6AEIODAF#v=onepage&q=officers of the order of the Eastern star worthy high priestess&f=false

    Following link has a similar White Shrine jewel, but definitely not identical. It explains some of the symbolism such as the motto:

    IN HOC SIGNO SPES MEA" which translates to "In this sign (the Cross) is my hope."

    The gavels hanging above the wreath are symbols of "a symbol of authority." The wreath is of acacia leaves, the "Passion Cross," etc. Down below, the WHP (Worthy High Priestess) speaks of the Shephard's staff as:

    "A Shepherd’s staff in the hands of an humble peasant made kings tremble, conquered the hosts of Pharaoh and directed the children of Israel in safety in their journey through the wilderness. We trust, my sojourners, you will ever wear the badge of our Order as a constant reminder of the power of God, and the humility of the Savior of mankind, His birthplace, the Khan, the manger; His life, Gethsemane and the Cross."

    Funny this site with the badge says members were also members of the Eastern Star, White Shrine were a branch of the Eastern Star, but were not recognized by the Eastern Star.
    "The Order comprises both men and women, who must be members in good standing of the Order of Eastern Star. The White Shrine was not recognized, however, as a branch of the Order of Eastern Star."

    http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/White_Shrine_of_Jerusalem_Jewel.htm

    As the to value, I haven't a clue for could not find one for sale. I suspect the value would be in the pearls and gold only???

    -- - Susan
     
    Bakersgma and Any Jewelry like this.
  8. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Masonic jewellery is highly collectible. This could fetch a much higher price than just the value of the gold and pearls.
     
    komokwa likes this.
  9. Ladybranch

    Ladybranch Well-Known Member

  10. PACKRAT

    PACKRAT Well-Known Member

    Yes she was, in Glasgow, Scotland
     
  11. PACKRAT

    PACKRAT Well-Known Member

     
  12. PACKRAT

    PACKRAT Well-Known Member

    Thank you, would be able to offer any suggestions as to how best to sell it for other than scrap?
    (Which I would not do.)
     
    komokwa likes this.
  13. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Rightly so, this jewel is far beyond the pins on the ebay-links.
    This should do well in a specialised auction. Check online for Masonic auctions. There was one in The Netherlands recently, good results, and none of the pieces were as nice and special as this one.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2017
    komokwa likes this.
  14. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    Masons call these "jewels". My husband received his 50 year jewel last week. They certainly are not scrap!! Especially as this one is somewhat more rare than the usual. Definitely do some more research before listing it anywhere.
     
    Any Jewelry likes this.
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