Masonic sword with skull & crossbones

[Jim McDougall]

Here is a bit of sword esoterica I have presented before several times, and while certainly unusual I decided it seemed a worthy topic for another soliloquy. As always I enjoy these kinds of esoteric topics and researching possible explanations for them. This one came to me in a query decades ago, and I've never forgotten it.

It is an unusually hilted sword with sheet alloy skull and crossbones mounted on a vintage Napoleonic French cuirassiers sword blade, the inspection poincons visible as I recall.

Obviously a one off creation, and knowing that the skull and crossbones was often seen in Masonic regalia as an element of the symbolism in the dogma of these fraternal groups in the Masonic orders. The symbolic presence of the skull and crossbones applies to the Latin motto 'memento mori' , literally remember that you too will eventually die. While obviously morose, there are many philosophical interpretations which are more inspiring than macabre despite the grim visual depiction.

While I thought perhaps this might have been a Tylers sword, the traditional sword of the Tyler, who guarded the secret proceedings of the Lodge as they meet. While these swords appear to have been of many forms chosen by the various lodges, often venerated old swords from veterans and earlier campaigns and trophies, in the literature, they are typically of the 'flammard' type. These were the knightly swords with undulating (flaming) blades as the sword that guarded the gates of Eden in the Bible.

In 2008, I met Joseph Marino and James Kaplan, who that year had written the seminal work cataloging the swords of Freemasonry, " The American Fraternal Sword". As they signed my book, we all laughed as I quipped, 'cant wait for the movie!!' (bad dad joke).
That reference opened new vistas in the collectability of these 'Masonic' swords, which always lurked in antique stores, tagged with hubris laden descriptions, but ever passed over as non interesting faux swords in dusty cabinets.
Now new fields of collecting have opened seeing these as interesting regalia with historic value.

In further research, I found that the skull and crossbones was prevalent in many cases as elements in the hilts of certain rank rather than assigned to certain chapters or groups in the Masonic context. However, it seems that the designs did in degree apply to the Order of Malta as well as the Order of the Temple, with certain emphasis regarding the material concerning Hiram and rebirth etc. Specifically, the MEMENTO MORI.

In Masonic dogma, it is based on ancient principles, beliefs, axioms extending into Hermeticism and early philosophies, and this includes the sanctity of Masonic doctrines. (pictured a mosaic from ancient Pompeii, featuring the compass, skull and plumb line). The plumb line to the skull represents death as the great leveler. It is these kinds of deep symbolism which exist throughout Masonic lore and dogma,.

It is believed that the symbolism of the Memento Mori began probably in the New York Masonic orders in the late 19th century, establishing a probable terminus post quem for this example.
It is of course likely an old French sword provided the blade for this unusual niche sword, and likely a select item perhaps for display or wear during ritual processes during meetings in some lodge of years ago.
The sword with black backdrop is one of the more traditionally seen examples mentioned...the example discussed is an entire anomaly.

While I would very much enjoy seeing comments and especially examples from others out there, I realize the odds. Still, I wrote this to share my findings, and at best......readers enjoy!!!!