My very good friend, and the current Eminent Commander of Indianapolis' Raper Commandery No. 1, Carson Smith, eats, sleeps, and breathes the Masonic order of the Knights Templar. When John D. Hamilton's book, The American Fraternal Sword, came out earlier this year, depicting more than 600 swords in full color, he described it as "Templar porn."Comes now a new book by Michael C. MacDonald that I'm afraid is going to keep Sir Knight Carson up all knight reading under the covers with a flashlight: Fraternal Regalia I: Knights Templar - A Collectors Guide to the Orders, Degrees, Activities, Uniforms, Swords, Regalia, and Collectible Souvenirs of the Commandery of the Knights Templar of York Rite Freemasonry. It covers Knights Templar regalia and collectibles from 1800 to 1930.
The book is not yet available on Amazon, but is for sale on Ebay. To quote from the listing,
Hardbound 8/12 x 11. 230 pages! Over 500 high quality B&W photos and illustrations! Many period cabinet photos illustrating the various uniforms, regalia and activities of the Commandery of the Knights Templar! 51 swords illustrated from period regalia catalogs! 19 swords illustrated in detailed pictorials! Black Uniform and White uniforms described in detail! Price Guide Included! This book describes - Masonic Lodge Structure - York Rite Structure - Order of the Red Cross - Order of the Knights of Malta - Order of the Knights Templar - Ritual regalia - KT Rank & Insignia - The White Uniform - The Black Uniform - Fatigue uniform - Hats - Sashes - Swords & Daggers - Conclave Medals - Officers Jewels - Parade & Drill Teams - Mounted Commanderies - Symbology - Triennial Conclaves - Souvenirs - Pilgrimages - Badges - Ribbons - Jewelry
The book is sponsored by the Internet Sword Collectors Association.
The price is $59.
Thanks to Mark Tabbert for the heads up.
3 comments:
Thank you for mentioning the book in the blog. I hope you enjoyed your copy. If any Sir Knights or Templar historians that read the blog have access to any unusual or unique Templar regalia, I would appreciate photos and some descriptions for a future update to the book. Specifically, painted aprons, and take down (two piece)swords, or photos of unusual uniform coats. I recently purchased a copy of the souvenir book from the Boston Triennail Conclave from the late 1880s, and the variety of coats worn was quite interesting (civilian frock, Civil war 5 button, Civil War officers, Indian Wars officers,and Indian war fatigue, etc.) Also photos drawings of early Templar swords (pre 1870). Mike M. machood@aol.com / internetsword.com
Interesting article, added his blog to Favorites
Thank you! I didn't know they picked up on it until I saw your comment.
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