TH607Aa 1836 extremely rare King William IV two-sided medium watchcase Royal Arch Chapter jewel.
Only two sided Royal Arch jewels are officially permitted to be worn in Supreme Grand Chapter,
although single sided watchcase can now be worn, although without official sanction.
A really nice medium size Royal Arch Member’s watch-case jewel original case.
Modern one-sided Royal Arch jewels are definitely not permitted to be worn.
Possibly the only surviving example of this type.
The jewel gas no less than five hallmarks on both the centre and the frame, comprising GR in an
oval, the portrait of William IV, lion, Italic A, and a leopard.
It is also engraved with the dates AD 1836 and AL 5836.
Made by the famous and collected jeweller George Reid, who was registered as a jeweller in 1811
and 1817. He had premises in 18 Cross Street, Hatton Garden, London, and manufactured silverware
up untill 1839..
An extremely rare and understated jewel for those who like fine quality but not “bling”
This is the only English two-sided watchcase Royal Arch Chapter jewel I have encountered in 30 years.
The red ribbon can easily be replaced by the Grand Officer’s tri-colour ribbon (when this jewel was made
tri-colour ribbons didn’t exist!).
This jewel has its own entry in The Medals and Jewels of British Freemasonry Volume 2.
Fully Hallmarked silver-gilt and glass.