Elgin 'Masonic' Dials

[DaveyG]

I have a friend, here in the UK, who is a Mason and he recently bought 4 Masonic dials on the big auction site; in amongst the more, shall I say 'standard' masonic dials was the one pictured below. He showed it to me, asking if I knew what it represented as he didn't recognise the central motif. I am not a Mason and really don't know, although I hazarded a guess at Knights Templar. Can anyone tell us please if my guess is correct or if (probably) not what order it does represent?

I understand that these dials are of later manufacture than the 1920's/30s Elgin 12 Size to which they are generally fitted and the styles don't appear in any of the contemporary Elgin catalogues to which I have access - but he would like to know.

 

[Steven Thornberry]

From what little I know, I would hazard that central motif is not one particular, specific symbol so much as a group of symbols with significance for freemasonry. For example, the cross-shaped shield that forms the background seems to represent the cross of the Templars, often shown as red on a white background. The words In Hoc Signo Vinces on the ribbon below it are also found associated with the Templars. However, the square and compass and compass above the cross and the memento mori symbol (the skull and cross bones) just below the square and compass have, I believe, significance for freemasonry more generally.

 

[DaveyG]

Thank you Steven. Makes sense.