Will,

Have him send some pics of the fragments and where exactly (regionally
or by city) where it was found.  Masonic swords have very distinct blade
profiles as do militia swords.  It could also be the remnants of an
espada ancha which were utility swords carried by some of the early
spanish settlers in Fla.  Also, ask if there were any remnants of horn
or bone for the grip and if there was any brass found (even in the form
of wire or rivets).

R.
 

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Kelly Driscoll
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 11:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Sword identification help

We have rusted fragments of what appears to be a sword recovered from an
area in central Florida not known to have been a battlefield.  The
pieces are highly oxidized and fragmented in a way that it is hard to
tell the original length, thickness, or material of the weapon.  A local
informant has suggested that it may be related to a Masonic lodge known
to have existed in the area in the early 1920s.  It may also be a Civil
War sword or not a sword at all.  Does anyone know of a reference or
person who might be able to help in this identification?  Pictures are
available upon request.  

 

Thank you.

 

 

Kelly A. Driscoll, RPA

Senior Archaeologist

Florida History, LLC 

12157 W. Linebaugh Avenue #167

Tampa, Florida 33626

phone (813) 891-6340

fax (813) 891-6369

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