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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: KevinM on March 05, 2016, 12:21:07 am
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I got this masonic pin out of a grab bag at the TS and I'm trying to figure out how old it is. The pin is about 1" in length and the pin portion of it on the back is broken off but it looks like an older style. It's my guess it's mid to late 1800's. Does anyone know how old this masonic pin might be?
Thanks!
Kevin
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Nice thing and i think i'd agree on late 19th
Have you had it tested ? I know there are a couple of grubby areas but i've seen similar items which didn't have hallmarks but were gold
The back of the trowel has that patina of old gold
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Thanks Ipcress, yes, I'm thinking old Victorian era C clasp. I think it's probably 10k Gold, haven't tested it yet. Where it's broken on the barrel part of the clasp looks to be made out of solid gold. Yes, old gold that hasn't been cleaned can get dark spots on it in areas for lots of reasons and many people will not think it's gold because it's not shiny. These dark areas can usually be easily cleaned up if desired.
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This does look like an older one but the style feels early 1900's to me. Would have loved to had the clasp on it - that would have greatly helped in dating it!
NICE!
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Thanks KC, could be early 1900, difficult to get an exact time period on this one. I do like the elements on it with the trowel, square ruler, drafting compass and the Eye of Providence. Yes, would have been nice to have the clasp on it. A collector would also like to have had it on it although, it's my guess a collector of these types of pins would still love to have this one the way it is.