Identify Cross of 1884

[pierredelisle]

This cross has silver hallmarks for London 1884 and maker's mark of Henry Thomas Lamb, a jeweller and silversmith with premises at St. John’s Square, Clerkenwell, specialising in Masonic jewels.

Can anyone give me more information?

Thanks,

Peter.

[wm5806]

Knights Malta cross, I think, which usually has a black ribbon. Very nice!

[pierredelisle]

No. The Order of St John was not instituted until 14 May 1888 whereas this piece is hallmarked 1884.

This piece has foxes (?) rather than unicorns and the lions are upper right and lower left, rather than upper left and lower right.

Also, the crown and attachment differ.

Thanks anyway.

Peter.

[wm5806]

I'm not sure if we're talking about the same thing? I'm referring to The United Religious and Military Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta, which certainly predates 1888 as the scan from the "Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar, Diary and Pocket book for 1876" below shows:

And a scan from HT Lamb's catalogue of 1877 shows a very similar jewel for a Prior in the Knights Malta:

Edited January 18, 2012 by wm5806

[pierredelisle]

This is exactly what I was hoping someone would post.

I was referring to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem (the official Order of St John) founded by Royal Charter of Queen Victoria and till going strong.

This is perfect.

Thank you very much indeed.

Peter.