Antique AOH A.O.H. Ancient Order of Hibernians Irish Catholic Fraternal Sword

Description: Selling a 37" long sword (29" blade) with sheath and all original probably from around the 1880's and marked A.O.H. for The Ancient Order of the Hibernians. The blade is marked "Chas. Svendsen Cincinnati" meaning The Charles Svendsen Company, a maker of fraternal flags and swords in Cincinnati, Ohio. To date this sword requires an understanding of the company who made it and their operation in Cincinnati. There is a good article here: https://nkytribune.com/2017/03/our-rich-history-the-charles-svendsen-company-is-classic-pursuing-american-dream-immigrant-story/. Basically, Charles Svendsen (from Denmark) met Cornelius Hiemer (from Germany) in 1866 and they sailed to New York and then to Cincinnati and opened a business together making flags and banners for fraternal organizations, women's societies, and the Irish Catholic churches. Eventually, in 1877, they split into separate businesses and the Charles Svendsen Company was formed. The article mentioned above says that Charles Svendsen " expanded his product lines to include making vestments and regalia for Catholic churches, as well as offering swords, helmets, hats and hat boxes purchased from the best manufacturers he could find." Svendsen died in 1903 but his wife kept the business going until 1925 and because she was a seamstress, her focus probably was more on the flags and banners. Probably this sword dates to the 1880's or 1890's and was made for the Irish Catholic fraternal organization called The Ancient Order of Hibernians or sometimes called the "Molly Maguires". This sword is a great piece of AOH history but also a rare example of Charles Svendsen's business in Cincinnati. Free shipping in the USA.

Price: 295 USD

Location: Gainesville, Florida

End Time: 2025-02-10T17:48:33.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD