Created by
W.M.H. Horstmann Company, American, founded 1815
Owned by
Judge Terrell, Robert Herberton, American, 1857 - 1925
Date
1895-1925
Medium
metal and bone
Dimensions
H x W x D: 1 1/16 × 35 1/4 × 5 1/8 in. (2.7 × 89.5 × 13 cm)
Description
Masonic presentation sword and scabbard owned by Robert H. Terrell. The sword (a) has a bone and metal hilt. There is a bent cross in the center of the bone grip. The pommel is in the shape of a knight’s head. The cross guard has masonic cross and star imagery. The reverse of the cross guard has a central skull and crossbones motif. The maker, W. H. Hortsmann, is inscribed on the sword and scabbard. The objects have engraved images of knights, shields, crosses, leaves and the phrase [IN HOC SIGNO VINCES]. The scabbard (b) has two (2) rings for attachment. Both pieces have surface spot tarnish.
Place collected
Highland Beach, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
Place made
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Mary Church Terrell Family Archive
Classification
Sacred and Ceremonial Objects
Weapons and Ammunition
Type
ceremonial swords
Topic
Associations and institutions
Communities
Freemasonry
Men
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ray and Jean Langston in memory of Mary Church and Robert Terrell
Object number
A2017.13.1.3ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd510aba153-fcdf-45f3-8df6-bef55453f8ae

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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