Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 1st September 2010, 12:58 AM

The area of Masonic swords is notably vague in certain respects, particularly with those used ceremonially such as those held by the Tyler. While the regalia swords are well established with Masonic symbolism reflecting rank, lodge etc. that of the Tyler is not personally or specifically identified, at least in the examples I have seen.
By tradition, it seems that these swords are intended to have the wavy blade, but this seems superceded by instances where other types of sword with either historical, traditional or local importance associations take place as this key weapon to the lodge. In the U.S. there are various examples of Civil War sabres, rehilted versions with Mexican blades with 'Spanish Motto', presentation swords of military officers with significant service and lodge members etc.

The rebated blade corresponds to many traditional bearing swords or swords of state in Europe and in England with these type blade tips....these are also similar to 'executioner' swords, which also are grouped with these type swords. Perhaps the squared tip reflects this type importance in use in a Masonic or fraternal situation, and as noted, would not necessarily have been marked.

For those out there who are Freemasons, please forgive my speculative description of the Tylers sword in Masonic tradition, which is as close as I understand and hopefully at least nominally correct.

Returning to Ron's observation on the thistle, possibly if this is indeed a Masonic sword, perhaps the Scottish Rite might be surmised?

1st September 2010, 12:58 AM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,191	The area of Masonic swords is notably vague in certain respects, particularly with those used ceremonially such as those held by the Tyler. While the regalia swords are well established with Masonic symbolism reflecting rank, lodge etc. that of the Tyler is not personally or specifically identified, at least in the examples I have seen. By tradition, it seems that these swords are intended to have the wavy blade, but this seems superceded by instances where other types of sword with either historical, traditional or local importance associations take place as this key weapon to the lodge. In the U.S. there are various examples of Civil War sabres, rehilted versions with Mexican blades with 'Spanish Motto', presentation swords of military officers with significant service and lodge members etc. The rebated blade corresponds to many traditional bearing swords or swords of state in Europe and in England with these type blade tips....these are also similar to 'executioner' swords, which also are grouped with these type swords. Perhaps the squared tip reflects this type importance in use in a Masonic or fraternal situation, and as noted, would not necessarily have been marked. For those out there who are Freemasons, please forgive my speculative description of the Tylers sword in Masonic tradition, which is as close as I understand and hopefully at least nominally correct. Returning to Ron's observation on the thistle, possibly if this is indeed a Masonic sword, perhaps the Scottish Rite might be surmised? Last edited by Jim McDougall; 1st September 2010 at 01:09 AM.