Anybody know anything about swords?

[mjr]

Several years back, I was given a sword. I think it's more of a "decorative" or "ceremonial" sword.

The blade is rather thin, and has an ornate design on it, and the name "William F. Oldham" ornately inscribed on it.

Where the handle meets the blade, there is an oval with a cross in it, and around it is the Latin phrase "In Hoc Signo Vinces" which means, roughly, "in this sign you will conquer".

The handle itself is black, and has a gold-colored cross on it.

I know very, very little about these things.

Would anyone have any information about this? Is this sword worth anything?

What would the legalities be of selling something like this in the U.S.? What if it were sold on an online auction site? How could something like it be mailed?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Sapphire Silk]

You probably can't sell the sword on an online auction site. Check the sites; some may allow and others may not. Plus, in some states, you have to verify the age of the buyer; it is illegal to sell weapons to minors in many states.

I would take the sword to an appraiser and see if it is simply a cheap reproduction or a genuine ceremonial sword. If it is the latter, it may have some value. If it is a cheap reproduction, it is not worth very much, less than $100 probably. Depends on the quality and if there is any damage.

It does not sound like it has a sharpened blade, which makes me wonder if it isn't a mass produced piece as opposed to something given as a gift for service.

[Jester]

A picture would definitely help any experts here more properly appraise the value, or lack thereof, of your sword...

[Barracuda]

Indeed. The fact that the blade is thin means nothing as to whether it is valuable, since a forged blade (as opposed to a cheap cast blade for a ceremonial sword) could very well be thin. Is it weighted and balanced? (Easy to hold, or heavy and unwieldy?) If so, that's a sign it could be a forged "live" blade. (Meaning it could be actually used to fight with.) If it's forged, it would be worth a decent amount, well over $100, regardless of any other considerations. Depending on age, could be worth more, although "In this sign, you will conquer" was the motto Constantine supposedly received in a vision before he took control of the Roman Empire in the 300s. I highly doubt there's much of a connection, although it was used as a Crusader motto for some time in the later Middle Ages by some. Interestingly, there was a rather well known missionary back in the late 1800s named William F. Oldham. If the sword is a piece that was made to be presented to him, or that he commissioned, it could be worth quite a bit. Take it somewhere to be appraised is my recommendation.

[Dentarthurdent]

The pointy end goes in the other guy...sorry, couldn't resist.

[Gizmo]

I have links to a facebook group for reenactors that has members in the US. Quite a few know a lot about history. Would you like me to put the above details up there and ask if anyone has any ideas of contacts who might be able to value it? or any information themselves?

[mjr]

I have links to a facebook group for reenactors that has members in the US. Quite a few know a lot about history. Would you like me to put the above details up there and ask if anyone has any ideas of contacts who might be able to value it? or any information themselves?

That's very generous of you! Thank you. That would be very appreciated!

I have a distinct feeling that this is a sword that was strictly ceremonial, and not in any way meant for combat. I don't know. It's not sharpened. The blade and the sheath need polishing, I know that much.

[Gizmo]

The motto comes back to either the Knights Templar or more recently the Masons.

Is it very like this one? http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...remonial-sword

And the blade ornate like this one?: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...-sword-gb-hull

A friend on that group agrees it is most likely Mason Knight's Templar. Any chance of a photo?

[mjr]

And the blade ornate like this one?: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...-sword-gb-hull

It's almost an EXACT copy of that one! The only difference is probably the name on the blade.

[Gizmo]

Cool. it is a Templar sword then. Estimates are up on that site for that one at $200 but that is in good condition.

If you inbox me with your state or approx location in the states I'll see if anyone knows a dealer or collector to point you to who could value it.

[morgana]

Check phone listings in the nearest large city for a Masonic Temple. They'll be able to tell you, and might actually make you an offer.

[Pimento]

I was gonna say it's knights Templar. Masons only use one sword and it's very different from that

[Gizmo]

For anyone who comes across this thread at a later date some places to take this sort of stuff: The local Masonic Temple, Sotherby's America, and coin collectors.

[Pimento]

Yeah. Actually I'm going to lodge tonight and know a bunch of people who would be interested to see this. I don't believe our knights Templar even use swords like that so it may be a regional thing (of course I'm not a KT yet so I don't know all the ins and outs)

[Sheldonrs]

Sounds like the sword the belonged to my Ex. His same was Caliber. He was stoned all the time.