AMERICAN SECRET SOCIETY SWORD

19th century. Patterned after the privately purchased militia swords of the period. See Peterson #11. Gilt brass hilt with the gold mostly intact and bright. Spirally fluted white metal grip, probably tin. 24” d.e blade with the logo of The Pettibone Bros Cin O at the forte. The lack of the usual stars & bars logo to the langets and the metal grip identify this sword as for a secret society. After the Civil War, some secret societies were founded to perpetuate the ideals and goals of isolated interest groups. As their activities were socially unacceptable and sometimes illegal, their identity was hidden. This sword likely served a member of such a society.