Rare masonic token.

[Dave The Slave]

May be worth contacting the Masons themselves.
Noticed there is a " Contact Us " on the link by TheFenTiger.
Could well be of great interest to them.
Cheers,
Dave.

[Easylife]

Been googling and there is some great info out there.

Great but conflicting!

[Blackadder43]

I would imagine it was "given" to an initiate for possibly progression through the ranks?
As there are no dates, and no obvious monetary value then its possible it was just part of the ritual and a visual, but basic recognition for the next level achieved

Caveat:
Read my signature

Edit:
Also found this snippet to possibly back up half my theory

Beginning in the mid-19th century, fraternal orders such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, Eagles, and Elks issued tokens that could be presented as proof of membership in the order (these are known as "mark pennies"), as souvenirs, and for gambling.

[Easylife]

I guess that it could be assumed that the 'C W' refers to the American Civil War? Some Civil War tokens do have the very same identical compass and square reverse, but no other I have seen depicts 'C W'. But even if so then maybe it is fair to assume that this token was made in the US between 1862 - 1864? A US site states that this reverse design relates to the Reverend Erastus Burr 1805 - 1891, so fits that date well. But another site suggests 1780? So nothing seems solid, perhaps the 'C W' even refers to something else?
Whether Civil War or not it is 100% masonic, I'll email a few places for their opinions.

[Blackadder43]

Its crude in its design, and you are right there are very few examples that show this design, and even fewer with the C.W

C.W is not in any list of masonic abbreviations.......even adding the G which i know means something different, but even then nothing in their abbreviations

I dont think C.W has any direct connections with civil war as suggested due to their being a full stop between the 2 letters, denoting intials rather than abbreviations to civil war
Unless that full stop denotes the sun, which could also make a bit of sense
But the possible date of the token, would be in that same era though

It could signify an unfinished royal arch, which would tie in with the idea it was given as like a certificate for the initiates progress through the degrees
With the emphasis on becoming a master mason, then an apprentice would have an unfinished arch as his symbol token of success

If the dating is correct for this token, then the American masons were going through a bit of a rough time in their history and a few lodges were forced to shut as people pulled away from the order, through fear etc
This may account for its rareity?

I have emailed someone who might know and will report back if i get anything...

Great item though and something i would love to have found....

[Ladybird66]

Great find..certainly one that would not be seen very often.
Point if interest if not already noted, the ‘G’ indicates Grand Master so maybe a token given only to one who achieves that rank.

The C W could have been his initials or the initials of the Lodge of the order. Not sure on that one.

[Easylife]

Great find..certainly one that would not be seen very often.
Point if interest if not already noted, the ‘G’ indicates Grand Master so maybe a token given only to one who achieves that rank.

The C W could have been his initials or the initials of the Lodge of the order. Not sure on that one.

Well on first sight I did initially think that the 'C W' were initials, and see no reason to really think otherwise as yet. I have only seen 'G' reference to God!

[Blackadder43]

Well on first sight I did initially think that the 'C W' were initials, and see no reason to really think otherwise as yet. I have only seen 'G' reference to God!

And "great Architect of the universe"
And "Geometry"

G. – Grand; sometimes read as Great. It also alludes to God, geometry[3] or the Great Architect of the Universe.

This is taken from "Fellow craft, or second degree."
And is the number 3 on the above quote about the letter G

W. M.--I shall now direct your attention to the letter "G" (here the Master turns and points to a large gilded letter "G," which is generally placed on the wall back of the Master's seat and above his head; some Lodges suspend it in front of the Master, by a cord or wire), which is the initial of geometry, the fifth science, it being that on which this Degree was principally founded.

Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the basis upon which the superstructure of Masonry is erected. By geometry, we may curiously trace nature through her various windings

[wittsy1]

Great find, the type that generates great interest. Very well done. I found this ring a few years back. Masonic I believe.

[TheFenTiger]

I would say this is more likely for the initials than the Civil War

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CUMBERLAND & WESTMORLAND

[Easylife]

I would say this is more likely for the initials than the Civil War

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CUMBERLAND & WESTMORLAND

I think you are right.

[Paint]

First impressions were instantly that the design was American, due to the presence of the G on the S&C. Although some English articles do carry the G as well.
Tokens are very popular in the States, off course.
The meaning of CW doesn’t immediately spring to mind. It might be a place or name of a lodge.
This has come from a friend of mine who is a free mason hope this helps

[Easylife]

It is stated to be in two books on British masonry, so fair to assume it's British. I await an email response which may confirm the 'C W'.

[alloverover]

Thats a lovely find Easy, very unusuall