AMERICAN SECRET SOCIETY SWORD

Auxiliary of the Freemasons, the Grottoes of North America. Magnificent gilt hilt with finely modeled American eagle pommel (Philadelphia eagle) and relief decorated grip. The quillon block with warrior/horns motif one side and the star and crescent opposite. 29” broad fullered curved blade. Iron scabbard with fine gilt mounts matching the hilt. Founded in 1889, the Grottoes of North America was a subgroup of the Freemasons, opened to Master Masons and formed as a social and benevolent society. It embraced the mysticism and symbols of the East while allowing for a freer social structure than the mother society. This sword is nothing short of a knock out with its heavily gold overlaid hilt and rich scabbard mounts.