11.22

Sword

1895 Approximate

Masonic Lodge Ceremonial Sword and Scabbard. Material: metal, ivory. (a) Sword Size: 5" W. x 27". Description: steel blade with gold and silver toned detailing along one side and engraved with the original owner's name, "Geo. Webb; where the hilt attaches to the blade, the name "Wm. Pettis" is present; inlaid bone or ivory handle monogrammed with the letter W; the stationery cross-guard shows a crown run through by a cross; a removable hanger brass chain is attached between the armored helmet at the tip of the handle to the cross-guard. (b) Scabbard. Size: 1 1/2" W. x 32" L. Description: metal sheath with images of a crusader, a shield and the crown and cross encircled with the crusader's motto; three metal loops inset into the sheath; the tip of the scabbard is ornately decorated with the crusader's cross.

The owner of this sword was George Webb, a prominent Waseca Mason and retired Chicago & Northwestern railroad engineer. He was born in West Chicago, Illinois on October 31, 1877. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 65 years. He was raised a Master Mason in Tuscan Lodge No. 77, April 13, 1899. He became a Royal Arch Mason on March 26, 1901. He and Mathilda Prail of Waseca were married at the Methodist church in Waseca in 1905 and were members of Calvary Episcopal Church. Mr. Webb died in September of 1964 in Waseca.