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KNIGHTS OF MALTA SWORD

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The postwar boom in fraternal and masonic societies kept many sword makers and dealers in business. The is a nice example of one made for a member of the Knights of Malta with his name, “Albert Snyder,” etched in a central panel on one side of the blade and, Fort Pitt Commandery No. 459 of K of M” on the other. Hilt and scabbard are gilt brass with enamel inlays. The pommel is the crested helmet familiar from some prewar militia swords, and is fitted with chain guard. The crossguard has Maltese crosses at each end and the quillon block has a red enamel cross in crown with blue motto: “In hoc Signo Vinces.” The blade is double edged with spearpoint, etched on both sides with dense floral motifs, and on one side a mounted knight out a gate and on the other mounted figures and tents with the cross and crown at bottom.

The brass scabbard has deeply cast mounts and shows rubbing to the gilt finish from handling between the mounts, but lots of original gilt on the mounts themselves. The hilt has good gilt as well, though with little left on the guard chain from flexing. The grip is dark wood, with some rubbing on the plain reverse and loss of red color at the center of the inlaid cross on the obverse. The blade is excellent- bright with vivid etching.

Fraternal swords are an interesting category both for social history and the continuing artistry of American blades. [sr] [ph:L]

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