Description:

MASONIC KNIGHTS TEMPLAR SWORD
An ornate ceremonial sword belonging to Samuel W. Taylor of the Masonic Knights Templar, 28 in. blade and 35 in. overall. This is likely late 19th century, with a knight's head-shaped pommel, white ivory grip engraved with Taylor's initials on one side and a templar cross on the other, and a chain link handguard. The highly oxidized silver crossguard still manages to be rather eye-catching with its elaborate design, showing a filigree design, two Templar crosses on either end, and the depiction of the order's insignia; a red cross within a crown inside a Maltese cross, their motto surrounding the image ‘IN HOC SIGNO VINCES' (‘IN THIS SIGN YOU SHALL CONQUER'). The blade is acid etched with attractive Templar motifs, filigree designs, and Taylor's full name in gothic script, a somewhat faded gold background under the etching. At the ricasso is the maker mark for The Pettibone Brothers of Cincinnati, Ohio. Housed within a brown leather scabbard, with two suspension rings, a leather handle attached to the rings, and two chain hangers suspended from either ring. At the top flap of the scabbard is a silver nameplate with the text ‘S.W. Taylor Pontiac, Mich.'. Notable cracking to the leather, with heavy oxidation to the crossguard and pommel of the blade, still a beautifully crafted sword. Samuel W. Taylor is an ancestor of June Gara, the wife of Lt. Col. WILLIAM B. GARA (1917-2001) commander of the crucial 1st Engineer Combat Battalion and among the first to land on Omaha Beach, and this sword has been handed down through the family.

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Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

January 19, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000