Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 14th December 2010, 11:32 PM

Hi Manolo,
Thank you for the illustrations, that sure makes this more conclusive. As I indicated in my previous post, the Independant Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) regalia swords are shown in the book I listed, and while I dont have the 1882 Ames catalog, the example shown in the book is a spot on match with yours.

It is shown in the reference as KM174 (p.76) and is the prescribed sword for a member of the IOOF Degree team, and as noted, of 'Roman Pattern'.

When I first saw the pictures you posted I recalled having seen this unusual kind of sword in Blair ("European and American Arms" , 1962). Checking that book I found that a similar type sword (p.103, 'J') was issued to cadets at the Ecole de Mars, a Revolutionary military academy which existed for only one year in France (1794-95). Apparantly the sword was designed by French artist JacquesLouis David (1748-1825).

In looking online to learn more on the Ecole de Mars, I discovered the similar type sword, but not a match to either this clear IOOF pattern, nor the original example from France in 1794, on an identification site copyrighted by a C. Allan Russell, which also reflected the data I have shown above. He also mentions the IOOF possibility, but was unclear on its veracity. Russell notes also the "Swords and Hilt Weapons" (Coe) reference showing one of these type swords.

The Freemasons and other Fraternal Brotherhoods of course incorporate a great deal of neoclassic symbolism in thier regalia, so these swords and much of the motif of course lean toward these Roman patterns often seen in the times of the French Revolution. On the original Ecole de Mars sword there is a device showing the 'Phrygian hat' which was used considerably during the Revolution. This design is also used stylistically on the French military sabres and subsequently US military sabres (the pommel is termed the Phrygian hat).

The original Ecole de Mars sword has also strange downward quillons and a rudimentary upturned open knuckleguard. The pommels on these other examples were smooth rather than fluted, and the grips scaled rather than spirally gadrooned.

Thanks for the opportunity to identify this Manolo! While seemingly a distinctly established pattern, these must be relatively uncommon. The IOOF was founded in England in 1745, with the first American lodge in Baltimore in 1819. The organization became independant of the original British branch in 1843. It was a benevolent organization and it would seem that further research would reveal the various lodges and membership numbers etc.
The color in the scabbard insert seems to be pertinant also as these it seems relate to status or rank.

All the best,
Jim

Just added attachments:
The IOOF sword we are discussing
Chart of officers IOOF
Wyatt Earp's IOOF membership

Apparantly this organization by the turn of the century exceeded even Freemasonry in membership, with lodges across the country, so it would be a pretty formidable task to trace further.

14th December 2010, 11:32 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	Hi Manolo, Thank you for the illustrations, that sure makes this more conclusive. As I indicated in my previous post, the Independant Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) regalia swords are shown in the book I listed, and while I dont have the 1882 Ames catalog, the example shown in the book is a spot on match with yours. It is shown in the reference as KM174 (p.76) and is the prescribed sword for a member of the IOOF Degree team, and as noted, of 'Roman Pattern'. When I first saw the pictures you posted I recalled having seen this unusual kind of sword in Blair ("European and American Arms" , 1962). Checking that book I found that a similar type sword (p.103, 'J') was issued to cadets at the Ecole de Mars, a Revolutionary military academy which existed for only one year in France (1794-95). Apparantly the sword was designed by French artist JacquesLouis David (1748-1825). In looking online to learn more on the Ecole de Mars, I discovered the similar type sword, but not a match to either this clear IOOF pattern, nor the original example from France in 1794, on an identification site copyrighted by a C. Allan Russell, which also reflected the data I have shown above. He also mentions the IOOF possibility, but was unclear on its veracity. Russell notes also the "Swords and Hilt Weapons" (Coe) reference showing one of these type swords. The Freemasons and other Fraternal Brotherhoods of course incorporate a great deal of neoclassic symbolism in thier regalia, so these swords and much of the motif of course lean toward these Roman patterns often seen in the times of the French Revolution. On the original Ecole de Mars sword there is a device showing the 'Phrygian hat' which was used considerably during the Revolution. This design is also used stylistically on the French military sabres and subsequently US military sabres (the pommel is termed the Phrygian hat). The original Ecole de Mars sword has also strange downward quillons and a rudimentary upturned open knuckleguard. The pommels on these other examples were smooth rather than fluted, and the grips scaled rather than spirally gadrooned. Thanks for the opportunity to identify this Manolo! While seemingly a distinctly established pattern, these must be relatively uncommon. The IOOF was founded in England in 1745, with the first American lodge in Baltimore in 1819. The organization became independant of the original British branch in 1843. It was a benevolent organization and it would seem that further research would reveal the various lodges and membership numbers etc. The color in the scabbard insert seems to be pertinant also as these it seems relate to status or rank. All the best, Jim Just added attachments: The IOOF sword we are discussing Chart of officers IOOF Wyatt Earp's IOOF membership Apparantly this organization by the turn of the century exceeded even Freemasonry in membership, with lodges across the country, so it would be a pretty formidable task to trace further. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 15th December 2010 at 01:43 AM.