Baskethilt

Jim McDougall · 8th June 2005, 02:11 AM

Hi Fernando,
Thank you very much for the link to the Masonic site which is most interesting and in rechecking data on this subject did find the 'Spanish motto' mentioned on a Mexican American War era sword used as a Tylers sword in a lodge in Texas. We have noted before in discussion that this motto occurred on many Spanish colonial blades of the latter 18th to early 19th centuries, and these often found use on early espada anchas, of this same period. It seemed quite appropriate that a sword carrying this motto on its blade found use as a key item of regalia in this Masonic lodge.

What is most intriguing is just how early was this 'motto' used, and your note on a book with a Spanish sword of late XVI century seems to illustrate earlier use than I had been aware of. Could you possibly say more on the books title and author? If possible post the illustration ?

We know that many arcane,occult and astrological symbols became important in the symbolism of Freemasonry, and the sun and moon were components in this as well as alchemical and other occult allegory. It is uncertain exactly how early these symbols were used as described in Masonic literature, or as far as I am aware, the wordings of particular oaths used in Knights Templars ceremony. It does seem very plausible that a similarly worded oath or motto might have derived from such Templars dogma, and quite possibly may have carried forth in the Spanish military orders. If that was indeed the case it would be wonderful to be able to define and support that lineage for the motto.

I really appreciate your excellent input and bringing in the very pertinant Masonic associations here, and hope you will add more.

All the very best,
Jim

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8th June 2005, 02:11 AM	#26
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,297	Hi Fernando, Thank you very much for the link to the Masonic site which is most interesting and in rechecking data on this subject did find the 'Spanish motto' mentioned on a Mexican American War era sword used as a Tylers sword in a lodge in Texas. We have noted before in discussion that this motto occurred on many Spanish colonial blades of the latter 18th to early 19th centuries, and these often found use on early espada anchas, of this same period. It seemed quite appropriate that a sword carrying this motto on its blade found use as a key item of regalia in this Masonic lodge. What is most intriguing is just how early was this 'motto' used, and your note on a book with a Spanish sword of late XVI century seems to illustrate earlier use than I had been aware of. Could you possibly say more on the books title and author? If possible post the illustration ? We know that many arcane,occult and astrological symbols became important in the symbolism of Freemasonry, and the sun and moon were components in this as well as alchemical and other occult allegory. It is uncertain exactly how early these symbols were used as described in Masonic literature, or as far as I am aware, the wordings of particular oaths used in Knights Templars ceremony. It does seem very plausible that a similarly worded oath or motto might have derived from such Templars dogma, and quite possibly may have carried forth in the Spanish military orders. If that was indeed the case it would be wonderful to be able to define and support that lineage for the motto. I really appreciate your excellent input and bringing in the very pertinant Masonic associations here, and hope you will add more. All the very best, Jim