|
|
Post by Kevin N. on Dec 9, 2018 22:26:40 GMT
I found a Masonic sword locally (I have only seen pictures so far) and am interested in getting it for my son for Christmas. It is supposedly made by C.E.Ward but here’s my problem. ”C.E.Ward Co. New London” is hand etched At the edge of the blade. Anything that I see online shows C.E. Ward New London stamped.
Does anyone know if Ward hand etched any of their swords?
It looks like the originals with ivory handle and emblems but if I get it I’d like to know that it’s authentic and not a $30 spinoff.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Side note - I gave my son an Emerson & Silver 1862 dress sword for Xmas last year and he loved it. Since he never asks for anything I thought I’d start a sword collection for him.
Thanks
Kevin
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2018 1:34:14 GMT
I'll have to look at the current bible but the Co. would be an earlier sword. There are some histories via some searching but a partner split off early in the 20th century. The swords were likely being supplied by MC Lilley until the 1920s, when Lilley bought Ames and Ames moved from Massachusetts to Ohio. I'll double check, as Ward is sometimes listed as a manufacturer but dimes for dollars, my bet is they were bought from Lilley. There is some regard that the MC Lilley sword blades were German manufacture and would have the primary etching done during manufacture. Retailers (ie Ward) would do the customer's name etch and the individual regalia company etches. Lilley and Ames were the primary sources at the end of the 19th century. The current bible would be an inexpensive addition and quite useful for any collector of fraternal swords and their suppliers. www.amazon.com/American-Fraternal-Sword-Illustrated-Reference/dp/1931464383I have little doubt the sword you are looking at is authentic. |
|
|
|
Post by kevin on Dec 14, 2018 2:33:49 GMT
edelweiss
Thanks a lot for the input. Working on looking at it this weekend. I’m new at this sword stuff and this site but I will try and send pics if I get it.
|
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
|
Post by pgandy on Dec 14, 2018 12:46:44 GMT
Glad to have you with us Kevin and good luck with the sword.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2018 15:23:34 GMT
So, taking a peek at the fraternal book, the CE Ward Co is actually the later reference and after the split with his partner. The Ward company went on to absorb MC Lilley in 1951 (who had bought out Ames in 1924) and the company was listed from 1907-1967. Ward had also bought the Horstmann company in 1921, with the Horstmann name continuing until 1945. All three companies Ward acquired had been in business since earlier in the 1800s. Horstmann actually predating the Ames Sword Co. and Lilley appearing in 1865 after the ACW and geared entirely to fraternal regalia. Lots of history The Bazelon&McGuinn combined edition of the Directory of American Military Goods Dealers and Makers has the most definitive paragraphs of the Ward history but much of it can be followed on the internet searches. An excellent cross referencing book and disappearing at low used pricing. Bazelon's Horstmann book little more than a reprint of the much older in house Horstmann history publication but this book was a nice surprise as a complete index (circa 1999) www.amazon.com/Directory-American-Military-1785-1915-Combined/dp/0917218884 |
|
|
|
Post by kevin on Dec 16, 2018 18:43:12 GMT
I bought the sword and am very happy with it. I hope my son likes it too. The Masonic lodge is still active so maybe i can get some history from them.
Thanks edelweiss and pgandy for welcoming me and for the information.
Any way to download pics? I tried but add attachment says too big. (My knowledge of swords and computers are about equal)
|
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
|
Post by pgandy on Dec 16, 2018 21:04:50 GMT
I bought the sword and am very happy with it. I hope my son likes it too. The Masonic lodge is still active so maybe i can get some history from them. Thanks edelweiss and pgandy for welcoming me and for the information. Any way to download pics? I tried but add attachment says too big. (My knowledge of swords and computers are about equal) I set my camera to take email size photos and works great for the forum with the vast majority of photos be under a KB and that shouldn’t overload the server anytime soon. There are sites such as Photobucket, I think they have now gotten their act squared away. I’ve had problems with them in the past and hesitate to fully endorse them but at the moment they are the only photo storage site I can think of. No doubt other members will come forward with free sites also. You can also do a search for “online photo storage” and choose a free one. Once your photo(s) is stored there it can be transferred to the forum without bothering the forum’s server. I would like to see your new toy. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2018 21:40:48 GMT
If you have a Windows based machine, here is a free download that runs seamlessly when uploading images. It still works on my win10 machine. www.onthegosoft.com/shrink_pic.htmOne reliable sizer I use sometimes is from a different board www.ben-major.com/tools/usmf-resize.phpI often use imgur.com There is also a workaround for google drive images and can be used with the bb tags sites.google.com/site/gdocs2direct/I have a few cameras and the older ones are better able to set smaller. My Sony pocket takes huge images even when set low. Most image hosting sites use, or are able to, reduce size for sharing. Although you can extract Facebook image urls, I would avoid that. Oodles of solutions and a search for "reduce picture" will yield many dozens of solutions. |
|
|
|
Post by kevin on Dec 16, 2018 23:37:24 GMT
Thanks for the info. I’d like to do some research on it and after Christmas I’ll have the kid help me finding a good way to get pics posted. I was gonna ask him today and then remembered that it’s a Xmas present for him.
Merry Christmas to all, will be back soon.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikeo on Nov 5, 2020 14:28:17 GMT
hello. great info here, thanks.
is there anywhere to purchase parts for these swords? I've had one for years but the end piece of the handle or grip is missing that holds it all together.
thanks
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2020 16:24:47 GMT
Generally speaking, parts for these would come from other swords.
You could try ebay.
|
|
|
|
Post by DanCG on Jun 28, 2024 5:05:09 GMT
I was gifted a ceremonial sword from a friend. On the blade is the Name of Rebert C. Hall...I was wondering if someone might be able to provide me with a little bit of background on this gentleman. As I cannot find anything on the internet
|
|
