The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols
Fellow Crafts are admitted. However, other jewels or emblems that are offered to
Masons of high distinction or to brethren on certain occasions, such as
anniversaries, can be publicly displayed. Some are worn as watch chains, such as
the folding crucifix. With great skillfulness and imagination, these pieces of art
are so constructed that the symbols lie within them, and they can only be opened
by the Mason who wears them. Whether this is nonsense or merely a curious
idiosyncrasy is left to the opinion of the reader. In our opinion, there is no need
to conceal Masonic symbols like the All-Seeing Eye, the square & compass with
the letter "G," etc. Anyone interested in Masonic symbols can look them up in
Masonic dictionaries, or in anti-Masonic publications. Those who search will
find. The following auction photographs illustrate the folding crucifix, one of the
most beautiful examples of this species: The ball made from 9ct gold on the
outside and sterling silver inside unfurls to form a cross, each segment of the
cross pyramid-shaped and bearing Masonic markings which are explained at the
enlargement. This particular cross is upside down when unfurled, and has four
tabs at the top which unclip to release the segments. More modern Masonic
folding crucifixes have one solid cap which they push into.
Masonic folding crucifix a)
closed being closed opened upside down