Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This sword was probably made by the Ames Sword Company, which was one of the most important and historic American arms manufacturers, especially noted for its swords and military edged weapons in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was founded in 1829 in Chicopee, Massachusetts, by Nathan P. Ames Sr. and later run by his sons Nathan Jr. and James T. Ames, originally as a small cutlery and tool works but quickly became a major producer of military swords and sabers.

By the 1830s–40s, the company was producing swords under U.S. government contracts, supplying both the Army and Navy. During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Ames was the primary supplier of swords to Union forces. 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 manufacturer's name or logo was often stamped on the blade near the hilt. Some swords included the owner’s name or initial engraved on the blade. 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.

Ames Company 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 Ames 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 Masonic Knights Templar ceremonial sword,
made by the Ames Sword Company, Late 19th Century
With knight's-head pommel, ivory or bone grip engraved with a cross on one side and bearing the initial "S" on the chappe below a Knight's bust, the scabbard's locket with enameled castings.
Typically about 37 inches in overall length
CONDITION: This sword appears to be in fairly good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$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