An impressive, framed set of two Jewels and bar’s that belonged to RW Bro. Dr James Balfour Cockburn, MD.
The first Jewel on the left-hand side is an 1830 Grand Lodge Charity Jewel in 9ct Gold, that was given to Freemasons who supported the three main Masonic Charities at the time, namely the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, The Royal Masonic Institution for Girls and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys and Girls. It has date bars attached to it for both the Boys and Girls charity showing that donations had been made to both for those years the bar’s range from 1893-1902.
The Jewel is in the form of a mother seated with two children along with the all-seeing eye in the centre of a triangle above, at the bottom is the date MDCCCXXX (1830). The reverse of the Jewel bears the inscription, “Honourable Testimonial of Masonic Charity and Benevolence Instituted by H.R.H: Aug Fred: Duke of Sussex M: W: Grand Master”.
The second Jewel is a Grand Lodge Mark Master Masons Charity Jewel in .925 silver gilt, this also has bars attached to show that donations have been made to the charity the date ranges from 1983-1901.
At the bottom of the frame is a silver plaque in the form of a “Broken Column” The broken column is a traditional symbol in Freemasonry, and it has been used for centuries to represent the passing of a fellow Mason. The column is a symbol of strength and support, and the break in the column represents the loss of a member who was an important part of the fraternity, the plaque is engraved “Presented to the Balfour Cockburn by the desire of the late Brigade Surgeon Balfour Cockburn MB, Provincial Grand Master, through the Executor of his will to be guarded in his memory September 1907”.
RW Bro. Dr James Balfour Cockburn, MD, who was Provincial Grand Master from the 9th May 1894 until his death on the 1st June 1907.
