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Jim McDougall · 10th November 2008, 03:18 AM

I think you guys really have a bead on this one, and I'm in full accord!
This very attractive piece I agree seems to be more decorative and symbolic than actually combative, although discussions in the past have insisted that these flammard blades actually have more cutting surface and could have actually seen combat. I'm not sure I concur, but as for this one, it is designed in the swept hilt rapier fashion on 16th century, and clearly a neoclassic interpretation, with the rapier a thrusting weapon, not cutting.

The 'flammard', or flame blade (often mistakenly called 'flamberge' from the sword of the fictional knight of 8thc France Renaud de Montauban, with that term meaning flamboyant) seems to correspond considerably to the Biblical flaming sword guarding the gates of Paradise (Genesis 3:24) and "...turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life".
This reference is from "Encyclopedia of Freemasonry" (A.Mackay,R.Clegg & H.Haywood, 1946, p.359).

The ironwork of the hilt, with pierced crosses very much those of Knights of Christ type as seen on early Portuguese sword hilt elements, seems of late 18th century, possibly earlier slightly. The pineapple pommel is extremely interesting, and not seen on period rapiers in any references I have seen, though it seems more like a smallsword element. The pineapple was a popular symbol of friendship, hospitality and quite possibly extended into brotherhood? In the 18th century,it was used considerably in French rococo and neoclassic material culture.

With these considerations, I am inclined toward a fraternal piece, most likely Freemason, and of 18th century, probably Continental. The Freemason reference cited also noted that until recent times, the Tylers sword (that held to guard the entrance to the lodge) was the 'flaming sword'.

I have seen other extremely unusual swords, one with a full skull and crossbones and broadsword blade (the skull and crossbones profoundly Masonic symbolism ) which was likely one of these extremely symbolic bearing weapons.

Personally I think these are really kind of exciting pieces, and awaken the mystery and romantic imagination!

All best regards,
Jim

10th November 2008, 03:18 AM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,177	I think you guys really have a bead on this one, and I'm in full accord! This very attractive piece I agree seems to be more decorative and symbolic than actually combative, although discussions in the past have insisted that these flammard blades actually have more cutting surface and could have actually seen combat. I'm not sure I concur, but as for this one, it is designed in the swept hilt rapier fashion on 16th century, and clearly a neoclassic interpretation, with the rapier a thrusting weapon, not cutting. The 'flammard', or flame blade (often mistakenly called 'flamberge' from the sword of the fictional knight of 8thc France Renaud de Montauban, with that term meaning flamboyant) seems to correspond considerably to the Biblical flaming sword guarding the gates of Paradise (Genesis 3:24) and "...turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life". This reference is from "Encyclopedia of Freemasonry" (A.Mackay,R.Clegg & H.Haywood, 1946, p.359). The ironwork of the hilt, with pierced crosses very much those of Knights of Christ type as seen on early Portuguese sword hilt elements, seems of late 18th century, possibly earlier slightly. The pineapple pommel is extremely interesting, and not seen on period rapiers in any references I have seen, though it seems more like a smallsword element. The pineapple was a popular symbol of friendship, hospitality and quite possibly extended into brotherhood? In the 18th century,it was used considerably in French rococo and neoclassic material culture. With these considerations, I am inclined toward a fraternal piece, most likely Freemason, and of 18th century, probably Continental. The Freemason reference cited also noted that until recent times, the Tylers sword (that held to guard the entrance to the lodge) was the 'flaming sword'. I have seen other extremely unusual swords, one with a full skull and crossbones and broadsword blade (the skull and crossbones profoundly Masonic symbolism ) which was likely one of these extremely symbolic bearing weapons. Personally I think these are really kind of exciting pieces, and awaken the mystery and romantic imagination! All best regards, Jim