Hi Keith,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The E.A. Armstrong Manufacturing Company was established in 1868 in Detroit, Michigan, by E.A. Armstrong. Initially focusing on society and military supplies, the company relocated to Chicago in 1892. By 1893, it operated from 149 and 151 Wabash Avenue. In 1894, the company underwent reorganization, becoming the E.A. Armstrong Manufacturing Company, with key employees from The M.C. Lilley & Co. as its sole owners. The company was renowned for producing reliable and superior products, earning the trust of various Scottish Rite Consistories across the United States. Notably, it supplied equipment and paraphernalia to Consistories in cities like Indianapolis, Little Rock, Galveston, Kansas City, Wichita, Guthrie, Fargo, and St. Louis. Bestor G. Brown, a prominent figure in the company, managed the Masonic Department. His deep understanding of fraternal orders and their degree requirements significantly contributed to the company's success in this niche market. The company's product line included items such as Masonic swords and scabbards, which were ceremonial weapons used by members of the Freemasons' Knights Templar Order.

These swords typically featured the following characteristics:
Blade with an etched design, often with intricate patterns, including religious and Masonic symbols such as crosses, the Knights Templar motto ("In Hoc Signo Vinces"), and ornate scrollwork. Most blades were made of polished steel, sometimes nickel-plated for extra shine.
Double-edged but unsharpened: These swords were ceremonial, not intended for combat.
The swords had ivory or bone handles that often featured an engraved or raised Christian cross. Some grips were wrapped in silver or brass wire. The pommel typically featured a Maltese cross or Templar helmet, sometimes with additional decorative elements. The crossguard had ornate engravings, sometimes incorporating a knight’s head or additional crosses. Scabbards were made of metal (nickel-plated steel or brass), sometimes with leather accents. The decorative mounts were usually embellished with Knights Templar insignia, crosses, and Masonic symbols. Suspension rings were present so these could be attached to a ceremonial belt. The E.A. Armstrong Manufacturing Co. name or logo was often stamped on the blade near the hilt. Some swords included the owner’s name engraved on the blade or scabbard. Many included engravings indicating the lodge or state they were made for.

These swords were customizable and varied in detail based on the rank and prestige of the owner.

EA Armstrong Masonic Knights Templar swords are, comparatively speaking, not very rare, with one or two usually on the market at any given time. This example has all the usual features one would expect from an EAA fraternal sword; related examples have sold at auction recently for between $200-300

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique EA Armstrong Masonic Knights Templar ceremonial sword,
Late 19th Century
With knight's-head pommel, ivory or bone grip engraved with a cross on one side and the entwined initials HA on the other, shaped crossquard, the fuller engraved "Howard Anderson", the chappe below a Knight's bust and engraved Made in Germany, the scabbard's locket with enameled castings.
36-1/2 inches overall length
CONDITION: This sword appears to be in fairly good condition.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$200-300*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia