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Post by lildebcc on Jun 20, 2006 11:24:42 GMT -5
Hello newenglandlegends - thanks for all the great information.
I had an Uncle that was a Mason. I have a ceremonial sword that was his with a Masonic symbol on it; I have had it for years but still don't know anything else about the sword. Also have a couple of friends that are Masons - I don't ask them any questions and they don't give me any information about it. It works out well that way.
If I posted a picture of the sword, do you think you might know something about it? Or do you know of a website where I might be able to find out more about it? Thanks. >^o.o^<
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Post by newenglandlegends on Jun 20, 2006 12:26:52 GMT -5
I hear ya;) I have eyes in the back of my head, I am cautious of everything and everyone. I'll let you know what I can about the sword.
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Post by newenglandlegends on Jun 20, 2006 13:20:19 GMT -5
many masonic orders that have swords start off with Knights of ........
ex. Knights of Columbus, knights of templar, knights of the golden eagle etc...
You will find allot of conflicting info on the net about the Masons
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Post by aneaglesangel on Jun 21, 2006 15:02:49 GMT -5
Thanks I'll have to check them out! So I guess if the names begin with Knights of...the house near the Armory which is a "Knights of Columbus" house, must be a masonic type place, hmmm! I'm going to have to see if I can find anything about that house! I had no idea it had to do with masons!
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Post by aneaglesangel on Jun 21, 2006 15:04:45 GMT -5
Oooo! And lildeb, I almost forgot!!! I'd looove to see a pic of that sword!!!
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Post by lildebcc on Jun 21, 2006 18:04:07 GMT -5
Here are some pictures of the sword. The first one is a close up of the hilt and sheath. On the top part of the sheath is inscribed, “IN HOC SIGNO” and under that is carved a cross with a serpent wound around it. The serpent’s head is at the top, mouth opened. Under the cross is inscribed, “VINCES”, and under that is a Mason's symbols. The blade is not sharp. Inscribed on one side of the blade is “De Molay Commandery” and up near the hilt, “LAMSON & HUBBARD BOSTON”. On the other side of the blade the inscription reads, “Lyman D. Willcut”. This sword was given to me by my Uncle’s widow back in the mid 1960s, but I do not know how old it is. Anyone have ideas of what the symbolism stands for? If you want more pictures, let me know. >^o.o^<
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Post by newenglandlegends on Jun 22, 2006 7:18:45 GMT -5
Well I put the pics on my computer and when I try to blow it up to see the markings it distorts too much.
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Post by aneaglesangel on Jun 22, 2006 17:12:40 GMT -5
Oooh lildeb! I'd love to see the pics better! I think you guys got my e-mail address, if not let me know, I'll PM it to ya!!
Newenglandghosts, they don't let people check out the temples and ask questions?? I never thought that much about it, but that seems a bit drastic! They can't get new members if they don't let people in!! I don't think the masonic temple here in New Bedford still functions as one, but I'm not sure! Now if I go poking around and asking, I'll get into trouble with them?? I don't want or need any trouble!! But I sure would like to know more about the history of the mason in our area! And hell, my son's great-great grandfather was a high level mason, wouldn't it be in the interest of family history to know more about them? Wouldn't they consider him family because his family had a long line of masons dating, I'm not even sure how far back, his father's side of the family came here on the Mayflower and can trace their line back to it! I never realized just how secret they were and that you could get into trouble learning about them! I was hoping to go interview the people from the Masonic Temple if any were still around, guess that will be out of the question, eh??
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Post by lildebcc on Jun 26, 2006 17:05:18 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. When I was in Alton I found a book called A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography. It has a section on secret socities, clubs and fraternal organizaitons. I was able to find out about some of the symbolism in this book.
I found out that the words “IN HOC SIGNO VINCES" means "In this sign conquer". I'm just curious about the sword is all, but not interested or curious at all about the organization. I know from experience that these organizations are shrouded in secrecy for their own reasons; and I have no reason to dig for more info than I need. Once I get the sword figured out, I won't need to know anything else about the organization. I like knowing the history of things of interest that come into my posession.
Hmm, don't know what's going on with the pictures though. They look pretty clear to me. Sorry. >^o.o^<
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Post by aneaglesangel on Jun 27, 2006 19:34:11 GMT -5
The pics are great, just a bit small so they're hard to see, is all. All I really want to know about them is the history and the symbolism of the signs. I never thought I'd get in trouble for asking. I thought if I went to the temple and aked about the history of the place, it would be fine. Now I'm not so sure! Maybe I'll just check out your book someday, lildeb, LOL!! Ya never know though, I might luck out and the people are happy to share the history and stuff. That's mostly what I want out of it. I just think it's nice to know when I see a symbol in a cemetery, it'd be nice to know what they meant!
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Post by lildebcc on Jun 27, 2006 19:57:41 GMT -5
The secret societies are just that..........secret. Best to just let it be. With the internet and reference books won't need to bother them. The pictures are small?? Really? They are really big on my end. Okay what did I do wrong when I posted them >^o.o^<
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Post by newenglandlegends on Jun 28, 2006 7:26:53 GMT -5
I couldn't have said that better myself Thank You... As far as the pics all your pics are large but those pics look small on my computer.. did you change the file size?
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Post by lildebcc on Jun 28, 2006 15:28:21 GMT -5
Yeah I did change the file size in photobucket (bear with me I'm still new at this). They were much larger in the post before I did that. Would it help if I went back and changed it again? >^o.o^<
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Post by aneaglesangel on Jun 28, 2006 19:52:49 GMT -5
Hmm, I think you'd have to go back and change the image tags again. It's ok lildeb, I can see that the sword is really cool!! Maybe when I get to go on one of the ghost tours this summer with you guys, you can show me in person??! Well, I didn't want to go poking around in their secret stuff, I just wanted to know a bit more about the buildings here and maybe if any famous people were part of the order there! Ya know, just history and stuff like that, I can't help but like the buildings, they just have an appeal to me. Certain buildings just make me want to go inside and explore, ya know, does anyone ever get like that?? Or is it just me??
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Post by newenglandlegends on Jun 29, 2006 8:38:23 GMT -5
I didn't say her picture wasn't good or anything. I just needed a clearer picture to decipher the hieroglyphics that are on it. There are many different types of ritual swords for different orders, and each mark has a meaning and I was going to try to decipher that meaning for her.
I was only trying to help you by giving you my advise on how to safely go about getting the info you are looking for. You can get inside some of the lodges by keeping your eyes open for public events some halls host collectible shows etc...
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