Germany, Imperial. A Mönchengladbach Vorwärts Masonic Lodge Collar Decoration, c. 1850

(Freimaurerloge Halsdekoration). Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with white enameled arms and a central medallion of identical construction, the former bearing gilt inscriptions of “VORWÄRTS” (one of the earliest Masonic lodges in the Rhineland), “ORIENT GLADBACH”, and a lodge number of “5845”, the latter featuring a hand-painted scene consisting of a raven in mid-flight over a coastal background topped by a radiant sun, the reverse featuring a hand-etched ribbed border with a floral centrepiece, topped by an integral loop retaining a suspension ring, unmarked, measuring 57.40 mm (w) x 63.82 mm (h), weighing 39.8 grams, demonstrating age-appropriate issues including two cracks to the enamel of the six o’clock arm, chipping to the enamels along the edges of the remaining arms, and slight oxidation of the base metal, an early Masonic decoration in very fine condition.