Vintage Knights of Columbus Eagle sword scabbard RAR (02/12/2011)...

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Vintage Knights of Columbus Eagle sword scabbard RARE!

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Vintage Knights of Columbus Eagle sword scabbard RARE!

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Sold Date: 02/12/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

I never thought the day would come when this ancient family heirloom would hit the auction block. But I'm getting along in years, and have nobody to whom I can pass on this beautiful piece of family history. The Knights of Columbus has always represented the very best of what we as a society stand for, including charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. By virtue of your bidding on this item, I trust that you'll treasure this item and display it with respect, never to be used as a weapon or for a Halloween costume or similar application.

Up for auction is a remarkable Knights of Columbus ceremonial sword, measuring 38 inches in length when stowed in its scabbard. It's in remarkably good condition for its age, save for pitting along the blade consistent with its age, and appropriate patina. I made no attempt at restoring this sword, but suspect that in the hands of a qualified conservator of historic treasures, it could clean up quite nicely. Please enlarge and examine the photographs carefully to determine its condition. Ebay limits my photographs to 12; but I will gladly send additional photographs at your request. The original Knights of Columbus Swords were made by Gleason long before The English Company or Lynch started making them and they were longer. The first pommel was an Eagle with a very plain blade but was longer. The scabbard for these swords displayed the 3rd degree K of C emblem, not that of the 4th degree. The sword with the eagle on the butt is an older version dating back to the early 1900's. It slides in and out of the sheath perfectly, without any binding. The blade is straight as an arrow, measuring 30 inches in length from point to cross-guard, and has not been personalized, making it very rare! In fact, there are no designs or etchings on it at all. After careful examination, I can find no maker's marks, so it's likely that this sword was made in Germany, and not by either of the two famous makers of Knights of Columbus Swords, "Lynch & Kelly" or "Gleason". It is commonly known that during the older periods companies such as the esteemed "Ames Sword Company" and "M.C. Lilley" and the "Pettibone Bros.", famous for their military and Masonic Swords, also produced a fair share of Knights of Columbus Swords. This item is very old, not some modern replica, and has been in my family for generations. Further evidence of its age is the decorated scabbard which is without suspension rings! It attaches to the belt or Baldric by means of a frog device which is found on the back. This indicates a very old tradition in swords. The guard presents further striking features, including an elaborate "K of C" crest flanked by two equally ornate Victorian-styled hand guards with plant designs. This ornate crest was used by the Knights during their earlier period. The scabbard has a top mount which features the cross inside the wreath. The reverse side of this mount is not plain as is usually the case, but covered with a rococo design. The drag is likewise beautifully ornate with three stars on it. I would estimate its age to be at least 100 years old.

I’m not a professional Ebayer, so please bear with me as I try to describe my items honestly and to the best of my ability. It’s easy to get 100% feedback as a buyer, but as a seller, it’s a little tough---usually because of communications. So I invite your questions and strive to answer them promptly, and always honestly. If you need additional photographs or details, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m “user friendly,” you might say!

I don’t buy and re-sell on Ebay, I’m simply purging my home of years and years of accumulation, from a irplane models to z ebra figurines and everything in between, so please check out my other auctions both present and future---there’s plenty more to list! As a buyer, I don’t like it when sellers hide additional profit in their shipping, so as a seller, I try to keep my shipping and packaging costs to a minimum. I usually ship first class with delivery confirmation. If you desire insurance,...