Early 20th century American Patriarchs Militant Fraternal Order Sword

This sword is a representative example of a Patriarchs Militant (Uniformed Ranks of the IOOF) society or lodge sword and is probably an early 20th Century model.

The Patriarchs Militant fraternal order was first established in the United States circa 1841 and continues to this day. They are a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) and considered Uniformed Ranks. This organization is very closely related to the Masons, about as close as one can get without actually being Masonic.

The most distinctive features on this sword are the “globe-shaped” pommel with button cap and the very prominent reversed quillons of the crossguard.

The brass cross-guard with gilt mounts embossed with a crown and sword. Original brass mounted metal scabbard. The pommel showing a globe of the world. The brass scabbard mounts embossed with the words “PAX AUT BELLUM” (Peace or War). The blade etched with a lion and the original owners name “HERMANN MATTKE”.

The maker’s name is marked on the ricasso, “The Henderson Ames Co., Kalama 200, Mich”.

The cross-guard has a panel in the centre that displays a crown through which are placed a shepherd’s crook and a sword.

The hilt is made of brass with a black leather and twisted wire wrapped wooden core.

The scabbard is of tubular sheet-rolled steel, with elaborate brass mounts.

~ Dimensions ~

The blade has a length of 29 inches (74 cm) and an overall length of 36 inches (92 cm).

The sword weighs 1.04 Kg.

~ Condition ~

The leather part of the grip shows signs of deterioration but it presents well.

The brass is slightly tarnished.

The metal scabbard and blade feature some notches but there is no surface rust.

ref. GS9507828 / PQA00