art-of-swords:Court SwordDated: third quarter of the 19th centuryCulture: SpanishThe cast grip featu
art-of-swords:Court SwordDated: third quarter of the 19th centuryCulture: SpanishThe cast grip features a crown pommel, while guard shows the badge of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem enameled in orange. The sword has a straight, double-edged blade struck, “FABRICA DE TOLEDO 1868” at the forte.Sidenotes:The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Latin: Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani, OESSH) is a Roman Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the pope. It traces its roots to Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, principal leader of the First Crusade.In 1496, Pope Alexander VI created the office of Grand Master of the Order, and the office vested in the papacy. The office of Grand Master remained vested in the papacy until 1949.Since then a cardinal has been grand master.The Pope is sovereign of the Order, and it enjoys the protection of the Holy See and has its legal seat at Vatican City.Five major orders were formed in the Holy Land between the late 11th century and the early 12th century: the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre (circa 1099), Knights Templar (circa 1118), Knights Hospitaller (circa 1099) (St John), Knights of the Hospital of St Mary of Jerusalem (Teutonic Knights) and Knights of St Lazarus.Source: Copyright © 2016 Auction Flex -- source link