I was also told that he was possibly a grand master in a lodge.
Hi Lawrence,
There is similar story in our family.
We eventually discovered that it was implied from the existence of a gold watch chain on which hung a flat annular gold token.
[Each link of the chain, and the token, is individually hallmarked.]
Spanning the central hole of the annulus were three symbols.
Stacked atop each other from the back they are:
Set Square;
Dividers;
Capital Letter "G".
----
I gatecrashed a regional preceptory meeting in our local Masonic Lodge in search of an explanation!
Its members were very helpful, confirming that the chain was indeed characteristic of their organisation.
[The presence of only
two tools is peculiar to Irish lodges.]
The "G" simply means "God".
[All masons must affirm a belief in a higher authority, though the nature of such is left entirely up to them. The organisation includes members of many religious and non-religious "Faiths".]
The watch chain might have been given to the member simply for many years of attendance, or in recognition of particular service or generosity of character. Not necessarily for having held a lofty political position.
[The Masons are essentially a "Band of Brothers".]
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The watch chain has a cylindrical "bar" at one end.
This would have slotted in through a button hole of a waistcoat.
The watch would have been held in a pocket of the waistcoat.
Unfortunately, your man's outer jacket is buttoned up in the photo ...
Capt. Jock
