Masonic mourning pin, with braided human hair, on medallioned fob.
"Here is a wonderful 18K gold Victorian Masonic pin with inlaid table-worked braided brown hair. There is beautiful hand engraving on the gold. This is a high quality handmade piece of jewelry that was made to be worn as a mourning pin. The pin measures 7/8 inches wide by 3/4 inches tall. It still has its original c-clasp with a long pin stem. Excellent condition. Both unusual and rare. The hair has two different and distinct weaves. The caps and attachments are beautifully enameled solid 22kt gold. The chains and watch bail are 18kt gold. The accoutrements ( Masonic ) are 14kt and 10kt gold. The split ring attaching the Masonic fobs is gold filled. The square and compasses are two toned 14kt gold. Actual length of the hair fob is approximately 14 1/4" and 16 1/4" with the Masonic accouterments. The crest is set in 14kt gold and the marble spins and depicts 4 dog (?) heads. I am unable to decipher the words because some of the letters appear to be backwards and some over-engraved. A most unique piece."
-via the Masonic Museum site.
Meeems! A year or so ago I found these tiny old printing blocks with Masonic symbols on each of them. I'll have to show them to you some time--they're awesome. I'm always fascinated/terrified by the tomb-like quality of Masonic items. Human hair? Dog heads? That's how I want religion served up. Good and pagan-creepy.
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