Hello,

A friend of mine showed an old sword blade he was given that he thought I could help him identify. I do not have images but can describe some of its features along with some markings.

To me it appears to be a "rapier" type blade - long and narrow (easily about 40+ inches from tip to end of remaining tang). The widest section of the blade nearest the hilt is no more than 3/4 inch. There is a section of about 4-5 inches that is rectangular in cross-section leading to the fullered section then to the cruciform blade. The tip was definitely sharpened to a point, not blunted like a fencing blade.

The only markings that could be identified are stamped (in capital letters) into the fuller on each side of the blade - one side is stamped "MARIA" the other "IESVS". Of course I assume they mean Mary and Jesus. There is also a small (maker's ?) stamp which to me looks like a stylized "W" or "H" with a Maltese cross beneath.

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

Rob

Impossible for anybody to say without a photo, but my first thought is that it's from a modern fraternal sword (e.g., Knights of Columbus). Some of those blades are acutely pointed, and they're pretty common.

[quote="Robert Roeder"]

Sean Flynt wrote:

The blade is somewhat corroded - darkened (possibly exposed to fire)

if this is would be true - it strengthens a fraternity blade like knights of Columbus. i truly don't know what they do with their swords they are most probably buried with them when the owner passes. all object considered blessed, must be burned. i worked for my church for years and did feel a little odd when i was asked to burn and bury statuary that was damaged beyond repair.

with a few pictures I'm sure someone here will id it within a day.