I've always been fascinated by this sword, Jim, but unfortunately don't have much to add beyond the obvious. Much like your 'corpse carrier' sword, this is a very isoteric item and I've never seen another like it to compare to. It does stand to reason that it is affiliated with some fraternal organizaion and that fat seems like it could shed light someday on this mysterious sword. Perhaps it is one that remains 'unspoken of' due to the severe secrecy of some of these organizations (the Skull & Bones fraternity comes to mind!). I was also thinking of the 'secret' Vehemic Court and their use of skulls and other isoteria in their hidden processions. This sword certainly came out during the time of the spiritualism movement, with the so-called Satanic daggers and other occult artifacts. Maybe the sword blade being French might give us a clue? Now I'm just thinking aloud!
