Sword, Presentation

Object Name:

Sword, Presentation

Object ID:

2013.001.01

Creator:

Alford, Frederick (1845-1916)Retailer

Place of Origin:

Boston, MA

Date:

1880-1890

Description:

Sword and scabbard, Knights Templar, 1880-1900, owned by Frank H. Chapman (1848-1901) of Franklin, NH. Straight blade engraved "Frank H. Chapman" on one side and "Mount Horeb Commandery" on the other. Engraved maker's mark on ricasso: "FRED / ALFORD / BOSTON / MASS." Cast metal hilt with knight's helmet pommel, cruciform crossguard with eagles and stars, and black wooden grips with silver cross on one side. Chain connecting pommel and guard. Dark brown leather scabbard with silver-plated mounts; top mount is engraved with a cross and "IN HOC SIGNO / VINCES"; decorative engraving on both mounts.
A. Sword
B. Scabbard

Material:

Metal
Steel
Silver
Wood

Dimensions:

W-5.3 L-35 D-1 inches

Provenance:

Belonged to Frank H. Chapman (1848-1901), member of the Concord lodge of the Knights Templar. He owned and operated F. H. Chapman & Co., a drugstore in Franklin, from 1875 until 1893, when he took on a partner, Charles Eddy, who ran the store after Chapman's death. The donor's father, Herbert Hancock (1888-1954), also a druggist, worked for Charles Eddy in Franklin and later ran a drugstore in Concord. The sword was apparently acquired by Herbert Hancock from Charles Eddy.

Credit Line:

Gift of Mary Louise Hancock

People:

Chapman, Frank H. (1848-1901), Alford, Frederick (1845-1916), Hancock, Mary Louise (1920-2017)

Subjects:

Fraternal organizations, Fraternal lodges, Masonic organizations, Knights, Swords, Druggists, Pharmacists