**Originally Listed At $1500**

North America, United States, Detroit Michigan, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. Wow! A stunning ceremonial sword with silver, steel, and brass components, replete with Christian symbolism and ornate scabbard. This sword was made for the Masonic Knights Templar and manufactured by Edwin Armstrong of Detroit Michigan with his mark “E.A. ARMSTORNG DETROIT MICH” on one side of the ricasso. The steel blade features the name “JOHN MAXWELL,” formed by a brass inlay on one face of the blade, and the other side features a crusading knight with a banner. The cruciform guard is brass with 19% silver and contains a Knights Templar cross. A brass Latin style cross is inlaid on the wooden grip and a 51% silver knight helmet is surmounted on the pommel. A brass chain runs from the pommel to the tip of the guard. The scabbard is comprised of 56% silver, brass and silver gilding with rings for suspension and relief motifs. At the top is a knight reclining with his shield under a sun, a cross and crown emblem, and a man walking with a staff and cloak. The crosses are inlaid with an orange enamel. An open work flange with foliate caps the bottom of the scabbard. Swords were a symbol of holy protection and duty and served ritualistic purposes by connecting the masonic societies to their past. Size of blade: 25.625" L x .75" W (65.1 cm x 1.9 cm); in sheath: 35" L x 5.25" W (88.9 cm x 13.3 cm); quality of silver: 19% to 56%

John Maxwell (1875-1957) was a member of the Texas Waco Masonic Lodge #92 and held the following Freemason titles : District Deputy Grand Mater, Right Worshipful Grand Orator, all the stations of the York Rite Chapter and Council, as well as being a 33rd degree Honorary Inspector General of the Scottish Rite. Maxwell also served in the Legislature of Texas for two terms, was Waco City Attorney three terms, and Assistant Attorney General of Texas. An impressive resume and a man certainly deserving of this honorific sword!

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#159807

Some patina to silver and metal areas. Maker marks and name are discernable. Minor scuffs and scratches. Overall good condition!