KKK Sword & Scabbard

Object/Artifact

-

anonymous...

Name/Title

KKK Sword & Scabbard

Description

Sword 36" lg. Scabbard 29.25" lg. Sword, Ku Klux Klan w/scabbard. Straight blade. Cast metal hilt featuring shield on counterguard w/hooded Klan figure on horseback wielding burning cross and rounded on other side, inscribed KKK. Wood grip with cast metal pommel of plumed armorial helmet. Metal scabbard, painted black w/cast metal tip featuring crossed flags. Color: silver gold black; black gold

Context

This sword and scabbard, along with the KKK robe, belonged to a Ku Klux Klan member in Ohio during the early-mid twentieth century. Swords were (are?) issued and used by KKK officers. The bright metal crossguard features a shield-shaped plaque decorated with an image of a mounted Klansman, holding up a flaming cross. The reverse bears a medallion engraved with the letters ‘KKK'. The hilt is a dark wood, and the pommel is in the shape of a plumed knight.

Collection

WRHS

Category

Weapon

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1930

Time Period

20th Century

Place

* Untyped Place

Ohio

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Location

Crossguard

Transcription

KKK

Language

English

Dimensions

Length

36 in

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Object Label

Label

Ku Klux Klan Sword This sword and scabbard belonged to a Ku Klux Klan member in Ohio in the early twentieth century. Made of cast metal, the sword is embellished with the image of a Klan figure on horseback wielding a burning cross. Western Reserve Historical Society