Fraternal Sword Of The Lodge Of

FRATERNAL SWORD from the Lodge of the “Militant Patriarchs”
Ohio, United States circa 1900
Steel, gilded brass, iron and leather
L. Total: 84.5cm; L. of the sword: 83cm; Blade size: 67.3cm

This American Masonic sword features a globular cabochon pommel, symbolizing the crowning of the world, a brown leather spindle wound with a golden brass wire, an openwork hilt with asymmetric quillons and a ferrule in the shape of a crown marked with the seal of the "Militant Patriarchs": a golden crown with cabochons of precious stones, inside which is a shepherd's butt crossed with a sword, tied on the lower part of the triple links of the Odd Fellowship.
The nickel-plated iron scabbard, it is adorned with two gilt and chiseled brass bail bracelets. The first, with double rings, bears the mention "Pax aut Bellum", the second with single ring, appears the monogram "PM" referring to the initials of the "Militant Patriarchs".

This lodge is a semi-military branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, founded in the United States in 1885. MC Lilley & Co Columbus, Ohio, was the maker.

Illustrative photograph: source unknown.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON