Tri-Counties Genealogy & History by Joyce M. Tice A Pictorial Catalog of Commemorative Flagholders & Plaques  of Organizations & Military Knights of Pythias Tri-Counties Home Page Flagholder Home Page Warning on Sale of Cemetery Memorabilia Say Hello to Joyce Guidelines

Commemorative Plaques & Flagholders  of Military and Organizations as Photographed by Joyce M. Tice  Knights of Pythias See Also Pythian Sisters

	The F. C. B. on this K of P flagholder signifies Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence
	Following my September 2000 trip through New  England, I found myselloaded to the ears with variations of Pythian flagholders. Examples of several types are included here.

I have sent you an attachment which explains the markings on a typical Pythian sword.  Many of the same markings can be seen on the grave-marker and it will help you understand the history and heritage of the Pythian Order.

Please contact me again if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

SUPREME LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
Alfred A. Saltzman, Supreme Secretary

Before I explain the markings on your particular sword, let me give you a brief history of the Pythian Order.  You will see how it ties in with the various scenes that are usually found on swords:

The Order Knights of Pythias was founded in Washington DC on February 19, 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone.  It is based upon the story of Damon and Pythias, two very close friends during the time of ancient Greek history.  Damon was sentenced to death by the tyrant king, Dionysius, and his friend, Pythias, offered to stay as a hostage for four hours so that Damon could visit his family one last time.  No one expected Damon to return and face his fate, but at the very last moment, Damon, true to his word and his friend, appeared at the place of execution.  The king was so amazed at this show of loyalty and trust that he freed both men.  In those days, most men wore helmets, shields, swords, and a variety of weapons.  That is why they are so predominant on the swords.

No two swords are alike.  The inscriptions and designs vary.  The only requirement is that they meet certain dimensions.  The long narrow sword is used for parades and drills because it is easy to handle.  The short stubby type is used whenever one has to be placed in a semi-permanent position, such as on the open Bible which is present at all Pythian gatherings.  (We are a non-sectarian fraternity but we ask that all members believe in some form of Supreme Being.  We do not specify any particular religion or denomination).

Swords are still used in our rituals and ceremonies but they are mainly owned by the subordinate lodges.  In former times, many Pythians prided themselves in their ability to do “floor work” as we call performing during the rituals and ceremonies.  The swords were individually designed and inscribed, and presented as tokens of esteem by friends and family, much as we would give an inscribed gavel, a plaque or some other expensive gift.

The following markings are those that are commonly found on swords:

The man in the helmet with the lion on top signifies the highest rank (Knighthood).  There were three steps to reach full Knighthood – Page, Esquire, and Knight.  It is the same in reaching full Knighthood in our fraternity as well.  The lion means leadership.

 - 2 –

“FCB” stands for FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY, and BENEVOLENCE- the three cardinal principles of the Order to which we adhere very strongly, even today.  You will see it wherever Pythianism is mentioned

On some swords. the letters “U R” (not V R) stand for Uniformed Rank.  Just after the fraternity was founded, a very elite group of Pythians fashioned themselves into a militaristic type of organization.  They had their own military uniforms, they referred to their lodges as military units, they called themselves by military titles, they went to “encampments” instead of conventions, and they even had their own set of rules and regulations.  They excelled in marching and in drills, but the group became very disruptive to the Order and the last unit was finally disbanded in the 1950’s.  The Uniformed Rank used the Lily as its official flora but the Knights use the sprig of myrtle, which signifies love and victory.  It is placed on the casket of a brother to show that he was loved by his fellow Pythians.  The Knights picture a falcon which signifies vigilance, whereas the U R used the dove as its official bird.

The child, man and woman in some scenes are Damon and his family saying farewell for the last time.  The scene with the man looking out of a building, and the group of people exemplifies the site of the execution and the throng that was waiting for the event to start.

The man pulling down the pillars of a building is Samson of the Bible.  He is mentioned in our teachings as representing strength.

There are many types of weapons shown on the different swords.  The jewels and pendants
which our officers wear around their necks during meetings show a particular weapon or combination thereof, and each officer’s rank is represented by a different weapon.  The other decorations and designs have no special significance.

In most cases the value of a sword is more sentimental than actual.  It is priceless as a family heirloom but not very valuable on the open market.  They can be found in the internet for around $150.  A brand new one from the factory, with no markings at all, will now cost about $275.00

If you have any further questions about the sword or the Order, please contact me.

Sincerely,

SUPREME LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
Alfred A. Saltzman, Supreme Secretary
Knights of Pythias

Published On Tri-Counties Site On 06/05/2003 By Joyce M. Tice Email: JoyceTice@aol.com You are the  visitor since the counter was installed on 05 JUNE 2003