Masonic hilt with... a French Cuirassier blade?

Jim McDougall · 14th August 2020, 06:48 PM

'Weird' pieces are the most intriguing!

The idea of 'Masonic' in this clearly composed weapon in quite plausible, however not in any of the prescribed forms typically provided by suppliers of the regalia swords used by them.
Members of Masonic lodges often chose to use swords using heirloom or trophy blades in many cases, and I have come across a good number of such instances, especially with the 'Tyler' swords.

The use of a French cuirassier sword blade in such instances, does not limit the sword to French context of course, and as this does not appear to be of a distinct form used by Mason's it is pretty much anybody's guess.

I think looking into references which have comparable hilt components might be revealing, and it seems the curious quillon terminals are of type seen in some of the Masonic forms.

I once had a US Civil War M1840 officers dress sword which had the usual wire wrapped grip replaced with a bone grip, so perhaps something of a clue as far as regulation swords restyled into such use.

The other possibility is this could be a theatrical sword of probably Victorian times, and a surplus French blade would serve well in such purpose. It does seem in many cases theatrical arms and armor would use elements of of such obsolete and surplus weapons.

It will be interesting to see what comes up with others with experience in Masonic arms and regalia. I have some references not at hand at the moment.

14th August 2020, 06:48 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	'Weird' pieces are the most intriguing! The idea of 'Masonic' in this clearly composed weapon in quite plausible, however not in any of the prescribed forms typically provided by suppliers of the regalia swords used by them. Members of Masonic lodges often chose to use swords using heirloom or trophy blades in many cases, and I have come across a good number of such instances, especially with the 'Tyler' swords. The use of a French cuirassier sword blade in such instances, does not limit the sword to French context of course, and as this does not appear to be of a distinct form used by Mason's it is pretty much anybody's guess. I think looking into references which have comparable hilt components might be revealing, and it seems the curious quillon terminals are of type seen in some of the Masonic forms. I once had a US Civil War M1840 officers dress sword which had the usual wire wrapped grip replaced with a bone grip, so perhaps something of a clue as far as regulation swords restyled into such use. The other possibility is this could be a theatrical sword of probably Victorian times, and a surplus French blade would serve well in such purpose. It does seem in many cases theatrical arms and armor would use elements of of such obsolete and surplus weapons. It will be interesting to see what comes up with others with experience in Masonic arms and regalia. I have some references not at hand at the moment.