MAMELUKE RITUAL OR SECRET SOCIETY SWORD

Early 20th century. Gilt hilt decorated in crowned eagle with enameled cross. White composition grips. Reverse with crossed sword and stylus or pen. 29" straight blade, double edged for half its length. The balance well decorated in scrolling foliage, and crowned crosses sword and stylus, all in original bright gold. The base with Fabrica de Toledo Spain. The decoration is descended from the revival of etched and gilt decoration which became popular in the 1880s and achieved exquisite quality. The use of the stylus is consistent with the notion among some secret societies that their membership was intellectual and "enlightened" at a time when illiteracy was common. Interestingly, the scabbard was made without suspension mounts and so, not intended to be worn, but used in a ceremonial function. A lovely sword of, at least to us, mysterious origin.