AN EXTREMELY RARE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DAGGER, LATE 18TH CENTURY

It’s not surprising that the roots of a secret society should be clouded in mystery with insufficient recorded facts to construct an accurate history.  Mystery gives rise to legend and in the case of the Knights Templar, it is often impossible to separate the two.  It rose as a branch of Freemasonry in the 18th century with initiations conducted in a black mass.  Initiates were sworn to blood oaths with sword points at their throats and required to drink from a human skull.  The influence of the society grew, reaching to the very roots of government and commerce.  The specifics are subject to controversy and we leave the conclusions to those interested.  This dagger is accurately datable by style and construction to about 1790 when the perception of Napoleon’s thirst for power vitalized the arms industry.  Is was made by a maker of naval swords and dirks incorporating a japanned wood grip and peened pommel.  The scabbard and hilt mounts are over heavily gilt, as was customary for a producer of weapons for use at sea.  The guard incorporates the Knights Templar eagle and star clusters which were later standardized for use on swords.  This is very possibly the earliest surviving example incorporating those features and a true Masonic treasure. 

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