Years ago amidst a query from a guy who often asked for help identifying swords he acquired in trades etc. ...he had this curious example which was most unusual and profoundly intriguing. With the contrived brass alloy deaths head with crossbones hilt.....it was mounted with what appears to have been a French Napoleonic cuirassiers sword blade.
The images shown is all I have (there was one of the full sword somewhere) but I recall the blade being distinctly of the French pattern.
I WISH I would have gotten this!!!!
I could only estimate this was likely from a Masonic Lodge, with the French blade suggesting likely a French lodge and post Napoleonic period. It may have been French, but equally light have been from a trophy in British lodge. In both cases it may have served as a TYLER's sword, with the MEMENTO MORI theme prevalent in Masonic symbolism and often regalia.
The 'deaths head' is also notably present in various military regimental theme and unit symbolism such as German 'deaths head hussars' and the 17th Lancers in England (death or glory), so perhaps this might have some connection to fraternal organization in these associations, but the Masonic seems far more likely.
The image of the black leather sabretache is of the 17th Lancers, in the style worn in the Crimea mid 19th c.The hussar image of that period shown illustrates the manner in which these were worn....used to carry documents, dispatches and orders.