Masonic sword with skull & crossbones

Jim McDougall · 27th October 2025, 11:05 PM

Thank you so much for responding Capn!
Just the response alone is a lot, and your keen awareness of much of the esoterica that often lurks in the history of many weapons is something that seems to deter much of the community. It is a subject area notably avoided in published material in most cases, and as you note, the fraternal groups and associations in and around the Masonic organization is inherently elusive.

However, I have found that the official historians of the Masonic Lodges and Organization are actually quite helpful with identification of regalia and historic items. What is avoided are the details on traditions, rituals and codes of course.

For all the pretty much standardized items of regalia, especially the swords, these are well described in the book I noted, as well as some other references. It is the obscure 'one off' items such as this that defy specific identification without supported provenance.

Still many factors can present reasonable plausibility in the likely period and character of the example. As noted, the blade, distinctly French , suggests a vintage blade, probably heirloom, and from the early 19th c. may have been acquired as a trophy, or family item.

The skull and crossbones theme appears to have begun in New York Masonic orders latter 19th c. and likely became widely used thereafter.

Thank you for the entry Capn!!! I can always count on ya!!

This seemed an appropriate sword for posting....Halloween etc.

Also, thank you again on the corpse carrier sword.....it was just you and I on that one as well.

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27th October 2025, 11:05 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,793	Thank you so much for responding Capn! Just the response alone is a lot, and your keen awareness of much of the esoterica that often lurks in the history of many weapons is something that seems to deter much of the community. It is a subject area notably avoided in published material in most cases, and as you note, the fraternal groups and associations in and around the Masonic organization is inherently elusive. However, I have found that the official historians of the Masonic Lodges and Organization are actually quite helpful with identification of regalia and historic items. What is avoided are the details on traditions, rituals and codes of course. For all the pretty much standardized items of regalia, especially the swords, these are well described in the book I noted, as well as some other references. It is the obscure 'one off' items such as this that defy specific identification without supported provenance. Still many factors can present reasonable plausibility in the likely period and character of the example. As noted, the blade, distinctly French , suggests a vintage blade, probably heirloom, and from the early 19th c. may have been acquired as a trophy, or family item. The skull and crossbones theme appears to have begun in New York Masonic orders latter 19th c. and likely became widely used thereafter. Thank you for the entry Capn!!! I can always count on ya!! This seemed an appropriate sword for posting....Halloween etc. Also, thank you again on the corpse carrier sword.....it was just you and I on that one as well.