Antique 1898 Knights Templar Sterling? Concordia KS Watch Fob Medal 42 KT For Sale

Masonic pocket watch fob that belonged to a member of the York Rite fraternal bodies in Concordia, Kansas, dating to 1898.At roughly 1.25 inches across, watch fobs like this were attached to a pocket watch chain, serving as a functional weight to pull the watch out of a vest pocket while proudly displaying the owner's fraternal accomplishments.Fraternal Meanings (Back Side)The side showing the Square and Compasses maps out the owner's progression through several interrelated Masonic bodies:AF & AM: Stands for Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. The central "G" within the square and compasses is the universal symbol of Freemasonry.No. 113: Refers to St. Johns Lodge No. 113 (or a similarly numbered local blue lodge in the area), where the owner earned his first three degrees to become a Master Mason.R. A. M. / NO. 45: Stands for Royal Arch Masons. He belonged to Concordia Chapter No. 45, R.A.M.COMMANDERY / K. T. / NO. 42: Stands for Knights Templar. He belonged to Concordia Commandery No. 42, K.T. This is the highest order in the Masonic York Rite system.Commemorative Meaning (Front Side)The skull and crossbones side acts as a personalized memento of a specific event or milestone:J.H.: These are almost certainly the initials of the Mason who owned this specific fob.The Skull & Crossbones: While often associated with piracy, in Knights Templar symbolism, it represents a Memento Mori—a reminder of mortality and a symbol of humility and faith.E. 1898: Likely commemorates the year he was "Exalted" into the Royal Arch or "Elected/Eminent" to an office or high degree within the Concordia Commandery.