Victorian period. Gilt bronze hilt with medial ridged, swallow tail terminal cross guard. Rectangular quillon block with high relied Maltese cross each side. Spherical pommel with flared foot. Black leather covered grip. 31" straight d.e. blade decorated with Masonic mystical symbols including the compass and square, owl, scales of Justice, crossed Keys to the Kingdom, Mason's tools, etc. The forte with large skull and cross bones between MEMENTO MORTE. Additional striking image to the decoration middle of a skull over crossed bones with a snake crawling from the eye and the scythe of the Grim Reaper behind. Probably the most graphic references to death and the After World that we have seen on a sword. Blade bright with minor gray staining. Leather scabbard painted white for ceremonial use. The locket finely engraved with owner's initials FR 1892. Tip mount missing. Superior for quality and form.
