RARE EARLY MASONIC SWORD C.1840-50

An example of the swords produced for private purchase in the Ante Bellum period and sold extensively to militia officer’s, North and South. This example saw service as a Masonic sword, differing only in that the scabbard is engraved with the Masonic square and dividers surrounding G, and the bone grip has been painted maroon. The hilt and scabbard mounts retain near all original gold finish. The scabbard covering appears newer, replaced during its working life. The 25 ¾” blade is etched with Franklin R A Chapter on one side and Greenfield Mass. the other. The Franklin Royal Arch Chapter was established Jan. 17, 1818 so this sword was that of a very early, if not founding member. It dates to the period of the Anti-Masonic fervor of the 1820s–1830s. About 75% of U.S. lodges disbanded or went dormant by the mid-1830s.