To add to the soliloquy here, and to share with anyone reading, here are salient examples. The sword shown is French, which seems to fall neatly in place with the character of the example sword with French cuirassier sword blade.
In Masonic dogma, there is the element known as the 'chamber of reflection' which essentially is characterized in the concept of the 'temporary' nature of life, and the 'memento mori'. This of course is the remembering that eventually 'you' too will die. While clearly grim, the emphasis is on living ones life to the fullest and positive energies.
In the complex descriptions of Masonic following, apparently the skull and crossbones theme has associations in some Third Degree related regalia and to certain extent in Knights Templars and the Kadosh Degree in York and Scottish Rites.
Naturally there is a degree of detraction with this macabre symbolism, even among Masons themselves, despite the recognition of the specialized meaning of it. Outside the Masonic sphere, of course the typical sensationalized associations to death, occult and even 'pirates' are leveled by wistful persons.
I must admit that for me, personally, I would allow myself that fantasy in degree, even knowingly....a hazard of being a hopeless romantic.
