Posted 9 years ago
Stoogefan969
(1 item)
I am still confused about this very detailed sword , it is engraved on both sides of the blade its 36"long and I was told the white handle is ivory (I won't heat a pin and poke it) the sheath is also engraved on one side ... I don't want to clean the base of the blade to see the stamp but about an inch from the handle it says WH.Horstmann&sons on one side and Philadelphia on the back side .... All my info is from sources I dont completely trust and would be greatful for any information anyone has
I believe this is a ceremonial sword such as the type used by the Knights of Columbus. Very unlikely that it has a link to the Knights Templar.
I'm pretty sure this is a ceremonial sword from a fraternal society, and based on the "In Hoc Signo Vinces" (in this, conquer) inscription I think this is the Masonic Order known as the Knights Templar because that motto encircles their insignia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar_(Freemasonry)
The W H Horstmann & Sons marking dates the sword between 1843 and 1893.
Chris
sorry, that likk didn't work rignt, but if you look up "Knights_Templar (Freemasonry)" in Wikipedia, you will see their insignia
wow - I can't type today!
Anyway, the material in the handle could also be bone.
Agree with others it is a Fraternal sword. I would date it from the late 19th century-- probably 1880s- 90s.
scott
you are probably right about the date range, Scott. My wider figures are just based on the "...& Sons" marking. I'm using Bezder's American Swords and Sword Makers as a reference.
Chris
Where I got the date of 1850 ish was the sheath ...it only has two rings on it which by my own research that company started putting 3 rings on them about 1850
I could be wrong?
I never heard that in association with fraternal swords.
In fact I don't know that I have EVER seen a Civil War or earlier US fraternal sword-- not saying they don't exist, but I don't recall seeing them that early.
scott
I have only heard the number of rings in association with the 1860 Staff and Field officer's sword. However, since Horstmann made those swords as well as fraternal swords, it would not be unreasonable to assume the factory would produce both swords with similar characteristics. The number of rings, the blade shape and the blade etching could all point to an earlier date, BUT...
As Scott points out, the fraternal swords he (and I) have seen date to later. Obviously these organizations did exist earlier, but beyond that I can only speculate. Sorry I can not be more certain.
Chris