RARE EARLY FREEMASONS SWORD

Evidently dating to the immediate post-Civil War period when secret society membership swelled in the U S. Its distinguishing features are its exceptional quality, especially the engraving on the scabbard which is exactly as found on Civil War presentation swords and includes a stylized "stars and bars" motif that incorporates a Maltese cross. The 28" d.e. blade is marked at the forte with the retailer's name A S WADSWORTH CHICAGO ILL. Wadsworth brothers were successful retailers in Chicago until the Great Fire of 1871. A S Wadsworth, likely another brother or cousin, evidently was a merchant at the same time. The blade is further very lightly decorated with foliage flanking a Crusades camp one side and flanking a blank escutcheon the other. Excellent preservation for the period with character exactly as found on fine quality Civil War officer's swords. The earliest Masonic sword we have offered.