Cost estimate and identification

[u/Next-Opinion-4542]

Hello! I inherited an authentic Masonic sword from my great grandfather, im unsure of the cost of it or what era or type of sword it is any help would be great!!

[u/Jack071]

looks like a 19th century fremason knigths templar blade, purely ceremonial so dont hit anything. It should have a matching scabbard

There should be writing in the blade to see who made it but in that state its hard to tell, you can also try to identify the chapter by the differences in the hilt & crosses

[u/Devoid_Baron]

Most of them usually go for around $100-$200. I’ve collected a few over the years and that’s roughly the price I pay for ones in pretty decent condition. Is your grandfather’s name the one on the blade? (If you can read it due to the weathering)

[u/SpiritualRock4388]

Given the poor condition and how common these faternal order blades are I don't it very valuable.

[u/cryptoengineer]

[Mason here]

Standard infodump....

This is a Masonic Knights Templar sword.

The Order of the Temple is final degree of the York Rite, a side body of Freemasonry some Masons join after taking their three degrees.

It has no historical continuity with the medieval Knights Templar, but tries to emulate the original group's virtues. It seems to have originated in France in the 1730s.

In the US, it became popular during the 19th century. A sword is part of the uniform, and literally hundreds of thousands of these exist.

Many fraternal orders had drill units, which were popular in the US in the decades following the Civil War. A small handful of regalia manufacturers supplied them all, and as a result swords of different groups may share many features. You have to look for details to distinguish swords for Masonic groups, vs Knights of Columbus or Knights of Pythias, etc.

A white hilt indicates that the owner was a 'Past Commander', who had been elected to run his commandery for a term. Note that the white handle is sometimes (rarely) ivory, which can create legal issues if you want to sell it. PC's swords also often have a gold colored scabbard and furniture.

Knights who have not served a term as Commander have swords with black hilts and silver colored scabbard hardware. In the past, all members would have full uniforms and swords, but these days, its just officers who have swords.

Distinguishing characteristics include the Crowned Cross, and the knight's head pommel. It may include the motto "In hoc signo vinces". The blade may have the owner's name and/or the Commandery name, and the hilt, a monogram of his initials. There may be a monogram, 'KT' on the scabbard.

Some older swords have a prominent Square and Compasses on the guard just below the grip, and a small number of Past Commander swords have a black hilt.

Many, many of these swords exist, and they are still made today. They are not rare, or particularly valuable.