Identification needed on this one

mbjannusch

mbjannusch

Joined
Apr 1, 2010
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This was given to me out of a garage and I have no Idea what it is/was and need help identifing it mabye a value ball park.

Just read the thread under mine ouch!! let me start by saying this sword is a cheap piece of crap, not battle ready and couldn't find a ballance point on to save my life. I imagine its a china wall hanger but , if it does have any meaning I'd like too know, I think its some sort of ritual sord/ costume sord of sorts????


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If anybody can help it would be appreciated
 
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It is a Fraternal club sword but I can't make the club. They were popular a hundred years ago. Decorative but not junk. Does it have a name etched on the blade? Some have a spot where the club member would etch his name.

Looking at the last pic better I see a name. New glasses. Not used to them. That's my story....
 
Ok, I just read a little on the AOUW and it appears that they disbanded in 1952. I take it they started what is know known as insurence companies. With the notion of fraturnal brother hood and unionization all roled into one tight package. Cool that is alot more than I expected to get, such as a wall hanger made in china by sweat shop laberors by the kilzillions. Thank you
 
Fraternal swords are where sword makers went after their wares were no longer in demand by the military. The components were often an odd mix and match of casting and toolings which had been originally made for military pattern swords. In their day these fraternal swords were used as a combination of badge of rank, club membership pin, and trophies.

n2s
 
I have seen fraternal swords in antique malls with asking prices from $65 up. Masonic swords or units that are in near mint shape fetch more.
 
Fraternal Swords On Ebay

Click above for what the street is selling these at these days.

Condition is just one guideline but family packages (uniforms, associated regalia) and historical background of an individually marked sword can bring a premium as well.

Quite honestly, these pile up by the bushel basket and real value is pretty much determined by the buyers themselves. Wholesale of even very nice examples is less than the storefront examples mentioned above.

http://internetsword.com/fraternalswords.html
http://www.exonumia.com/art/society.htm
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/mason...hronology_fraternal_organizations_america.htm

Baltimore.jpg


They are fine decorators but pretty much useless aside from poking with them and should not be regarded as something that will chop a tree down, or even much in the way of very light cutting. These evolved from the militia swords and earlier examples were built sturdily enough for some real use but, again, not really a sword form that excels at much more than poking something

Cheers

GC
 
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