SKULL sword-Masonic?

[Jim McDougall]

Years ago amidst a query from a guy who often asked for help identifying swords he acquired in trades etc. ...he had this curious example which was most unusual and profoundly intriguing. With the contrived brass alloy deaths head with crossbones hilt.....it was mounted with what appears to have been a French Napoleonic cuirassiers sword blade.

The images shown is all I have (there was one of the full sword somewhere) but I recall the blade being distinctly of the French pattern.
I WISH I would have gotten this!!!!

I could only estimate this was likely from a Masonic Lodge, with the French blade suggesting likely a French lodge and post Napoleonic period. It may have been French, but equally light have been from a trophy in British lodge. In both cases it may have served as a TYLER's sword, with the MEMENTO MORI theme prevalent in Masonic symbolism and often regalia.

The 'deaths head' is also notably present in various military regimental theme and unit symbolism such as German 'deaths head hussars' and the 17th Lancers in England (death or glory), so perhaps this might have some connection to fraternal organization in these associations, but the Masonic seems far more likely.

The image of the black leather sabretache is of the 17th Lancers, in the style worn in the Crimea mid 19th c.The hussar image of that period shown illustrates the manner in which these were worn....used to carry documents, dispatches and orders.

[Jim McDougall]

The reason I posted this is that I wonder if anyone out there has seen a sword like this. I know there are Masonic daggers with skull and cross bones but this is the only full hilt sword like this I've ever seen.

[Jim McDougall]

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.