This is a really fascinating item, as these kinds of pieces so full of arcane symbolism and elaborately crafted are so mysterious. There is of course no easy reference to consult, save perhaps the catalogs of Horstmann & Bros. of Philadelphia who furnished varying society, fraternal and theatrical regalia. This one seems to be 'one off' much as other items I have seen from latter 19th century. They are indeed curiosities, and another bizarre sword I once saw had an old broadsword blade but the hilt was a huge skull and crossbones, made of formed brass and much in mind of the Indian pata, or gauntlet sword.
As Fernando has as always, astutely noted the blade is indeed earlier and with the much imitated name of Pichinio, in the usual variant spellings. I am inclined by the notched places at the top to agree that it was probably originally on a cuphilt.
It would seem as agreed, that this hilt is well made, but clearly decorative rather than functional, and would seem to have been fabricated to carry symbolic themes associated with the ceremony, ritual and tradition of the many fraternal and 'secret' societies formed after the Civil War. The five point star and the neoclassic sword resembling early Roman types; the skull and crossbones; the image of Caesar are all fraternally significant symbols often seen on the regalia weapons.
The medallion alluding to Frederick III of Austria (1415-1493) is with reference to this key figure of the Habsburg dynasty who was also the Holy Roman Emperor of the time and the father of Maximilan I. He was of course extremely important historically, but seems to have likely had possible connections noteworthy to later secret societies and groups, which is only suggested by his cryptic use of acronyms and symbolism. He used the letters A.E.I.O.U. on his personal things and many other instances.
The overall appearance of the hilt reflects the joined circles of some early Spanish rapiers, the wide quillons of cuphilts, the pommel similar to cuphilts, the basketguard is crafted in the manner of Scottish hilts, but in the encompassing style of the German 'schlager' fencing sword. The symbolism is largely fraternal or secret society oriented, however the use of reference to this Holy Roman Emperor remains unclear. The date, as well noted, does not seem to apply to any particular date key to Frederick, though it was indeed during his reign. Regarding the 1471, such numbers in a gemetric sense seem however to have been applied mostly with names and phrases on blades, using combined numbers and thier occult values talismanically.
The skull and bones were apparantly significant in Masonic ritual in Germany, which of course came to the US, though it is unclear whether the symbol was particularly prevalent in these lodges in certain countries one more than another. Freemasonry is of course well known in Scotland, which might account for the baskethilt style here, or Germany, with the schlager style hilt, these observations are obvious. In Freemasonry one of the key figures ceremonially as I understand, is the Tyler. The sword used by the Tyler is significant in meeting at the lodge and distinctly symbolic. I have always considered that many of these often highly crafted swords which are often carrying deep symbolism may well have been Tyler's swords. In many cases these swords are refurbished weapons that belonged to esteemed members, and were significant as having been in combat, captured weapons, or these kinds of associations.
Attachment is Fredericks monogram reflecting profuse symbolism
Well, I know......another treatise.....sorry
but its an interesting sword!!! It gives a guy stuck in the middle of Texas in a Winnebago somethin' to do!!!!
All the best,
Jim