Scottish court sword?

[Ron Anderson]

Well thank you Jim and Dmitry

It was among a group of Masonic swords. So I believe, Jim, that you are probably right in saying it is societal/fraternal. And perhaps an earlier masonic type.

I recognised it as a replica of a French-style 18th century smallsword and thought it might be a court sword. Of course, you're right in pointing out that court swords do not have cast hilts of this type.

It has what I can only describe as a kind of rounded blade profile, as other masonic swords do.

It is quite old. It's not of recent manufacture. Too old to be a movie prop, too good to be a theatre prop.

The lack of tip is surprising, but it fits into the scabbard perfectly. Scabbard and sword are a clear match.

There are no swords made in Australia. All are imported. Among the group was a fairly tacky toledo sword in Masonic style. So perhaps the fact that it's not etched is owing in some way to it being an import.

Incidentally, I bought another masonic sword among the group. It had the owners name inscribed but was otherwise a completely plain blade. More recent than this sword, but with a nice ivory handle.

So I guess not all Masonic swords, certainly here in Australia anyway, have Masonic symbols inscribed on them.

Thanks for your help.

Ron