EARLY SILVER HILTED MASONIC SMALL SWORD INSCRIBED TO

Probably third quarter of the 18th century. According to an article in 'The Builder' by Brother George W. Baird, P.G.M., District of Columbia, "When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid in Richmond in 1830, the then Grand Master of Masons, Robert G Scott, said "The campaign of this year is ever memorable for the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown. In that village was Lodge No. 9, where after the siege was ended, Washington, LaFayette, Marshall and Nelson came together, and by their union bore abiding testimony to the beautiful tenets of Masonry." According to the article there was a Lodge No. 9, at Yorktown Virginia. It is now extinct and its records are not to be found. This makes sense for an organization with such secretive practices. The triangular straight tapered blade has a 10" section of decoration towards the top on all three sides with engraved and gilded floral scrolls. The wagon wheel style guard is pierced and of silver, the front is neatly inscribed "Lodge, No 9". The back of the guard is engraved with decoration and rocker panel designs. The silver knuckle bow is flat on both sides; the right side is engraved with a sword which the left side is engraved with the Masonic symbol of a crossed compass and square, with an eye in the center. The brass pommel is round with relief chased designs on top. The ivory grip is gadrooned and once wrapped with a decorative strand of wire. CONDITION: Blade shows a grey patina, tip is dull and was perhaps made this way. Blade shows generous traces of blued finishes and gilt finishes around designs. About half of the wagon wheel guard is missing and the remaining portion shows some deformation. Markings on guard are excellent. Pommel is slightly loose and hilt retains dark, undisturbed patinas. Grip shows some minor chipping around top and bottom, and some hairline age cracks, retains a nice honey patina. This may be one of the only remaining pieces associated with Lodge No. 9 and George Washington. A copy of the article about Lodge No. 9 as well as large photos accompany this sword. DMG Blade Length: 29 - 1/4" Overall Length: 35 - 1/4" Paperwork: Internet Printout and photographs Condition: Dimensions: Length: 35 - 1/4".