Original U.S. Late 19th Century URRM Knights Templar (Freemasonry) Fraternal Sword and Scabbard by Horstmann, Philadelphia
 Fraternal Sword and Scabbard by Horstmann, Philadelphia)
-
Original Item: Only One Available. This is definitely an interesting sword we have here! While we know who Horstmann of Philadelphia was, as for the URRM fraternity it took some digging. The Knights Templar, full name The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta (URRM), is a fraternal order affiliated with Freemasonry. Unlike the initial degrees conferred in a regular Masonic Lodge, which (in most Regular Masonic jurisdictions) only require a belief in a Supreme Being regardless of religious affiliation, the Knights Templar is one of several additional Masonic Orders in which membership is open only to Freemasons who profess a belief in Christianity. One of the obligations entrants to the order are required to declare is to protect and defend the Christian faith. The word "United" in its full title indicates that more than one historical tradition and more than one actual order are jointly controlled within this system. The individual orders 'united' within this system are principally the Knights of the Temple (Knights Templar), the Knights of Malta, the Knights of St Paul, and only within the York Rite, the Knights of the Red Cross.
Like the Masonic Red Cross of Constantine being inspired by the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and the Order of Malta being inspired by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Masonic order of Knights Templar derives its name from the medieval Catholic military order Knights Templar. However, it does not claim any direct lineal descent from the original Templar order.
Fraternal swords are most easily identified by the ornate, yet useless nature of their construction. Although this also describes many officer's swords, the nature of their decoration sets them apart. The pommels, hilts and scabbards are often exquisitely detailed with forms relating to their society, and the blades are often etched for most of their length. Common etched motifs include knights, middle-east scenes, Samson, and military displays, though this sword is merely just designs etched. The blades are usually straight, always unsharpened, and are quite flexible just like this one.
Some of the more common features of these swords include a cast, decorative pommel (often a knight's head like this one and a perched eagle on top), initials of some sort on the hilt and/or scabbard like the URRM here, the owner's name etched into the blade (Chas E. Taylor), and fraternal markings to identify which group the owner belongs to which is RLM for Regular Masonic Jurisdictions. The swords also are usually etched with the maker's name, often such well-known makers of military swords as Ames, Roby, Pettibone, Emerson & Silver and in this case the ever popular Horstmann of Philadelphia.
The sword is in wonderful condition but there is slight oxidation and staining present on the blade and scabbard as well as some broken fittings on the scabbard as pictured. The overall construction of the sword is still sound and presents itself quite nicely.
A lovely addition to any edged weapon collection. Comes more than ready for further research and display.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 30"
Blade Style: Double Edged Spear Point
Overall length: 37“
Crossguard: 5"
Scabbard Length: 31 1/4"
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
