Antique (l1800s) Masonic Knights Templar Sword, Scabbard, & Carrying Case

This is an antique (l1800s to e1900s) Masonic Knights Templar Sword, Scabbard, & carrying case. It’s ornate and exquisite showcasing a variety of symbols while featuring intricate engravings of the Knights Templar, a heroic old warrior, a skull and cross bones, and a cross inside a crown. The Square and Compass symbol is also present, representing the Masonic fraternity.

DESCRIPTION:
The etched blade bears the name “F. E. McGregor and has scroll designs with many Masonic etchings. The blade is clean (some minor age wear), straight, tight, & unsharpened. The scabbard is solid with no significant damage (standard age wear). The brown case is in relatively good condition (for its age) but the closing snap is damaged and does not function as intended.

Measurements (approximate):
Blade: 28”L x 13/16”W x 1/8”Thick
Sword: 34.5” (handle top to sword tip)

Maker’s Mark:
The sword was made by M.C. Lilley in Ohio & as such, the blade's ricasso is maker marked with “The M.C. Lilley Co. Columbus, Ohio”.

HISTORY:
The black grip signifies the original owner held the 'Sir Knight' rank but had not served as commander of the 'Commandery' (the knights' version of the Masonic lodge) at the time he earned the sword. It was sold by the Pettibone Brothers, who supplied fraternal regalia to many different organizations, including the Masons, the Knights of Columbus, the Odd Fellows and others.

M.C. Lilley & Co., 1885-1962, The founder Mitchell C. Lilley was born in 1819 in Columbus Ohio and died in 1882. Served in the Mexican War (1847-1848) and the Civil War (1861-1862). He was a bookbinder and publisher and published Masonic and Odd Fellows books. In 1865 started the M. C. LILLEY & CO which produced regalia and swords. This included society swords, US regulation swords (Model 1872 cavalry officers swords), and theatrical swords. Upon his death in 1882, the name was changed to THE M. C. LILLEY & CO and his long time partner Charles H. Lindenburg became president. They expanded into a complete line of military swords, uniforms, accessories, and equipment. They issued many military and society catalogs, including a 1919 presentation sword catalog. In 1923 the M. C. Lilley & Co purchased the Henderson-Ames and two years later purchased the Ames Sword Company. In that year, 1925, the name was changed to THE LILLEY CO.. The Ames equipment, tools machinery, etc. were moved from Chicopee, MA, to Columbus Ohio. In 1931 the name was changed to THE LILLEY-AMES CO.