Bidspirit auction | Knights Templar Masonic Regalia Set

Knights Templar Masonic Regalia Set by Henderson-Ames Company in Original Trunk - A collection of Victorian-era Knights Templar fraternal regalia produced by The Henderson-Ames Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan. This ensemble is considered new old stock, and several items still retain their original protective rice paper. The set is housed in its original brown leather-covered wood-frame transport trunk, which features decorative blue and red chromolithographed paper lining and two manufacturer labels affixed to the interior lid. The labels identify the company as the successors to Frank Henderson and the Ames Sword Company of Chicago. The collection includes a black felt chapeau trimmed with black and white ostrich plumes and a side cockade featuring a red velvet Passion Cross; a size 7 1/4 black fabric fatigue cap with a gold metallic braid band and a quilted interior; a black velvet sash with a white silk moire center panel and a gold-toned metal Cross in Crown emblem; a group of red velvet shoulder rank slides with gold metallic wire borders and silver-toned crosses; a red leather belt with blue and gray striped silk webbing, featuring cast metal hardware and ornate gold-toned sword chains; and a pair of yellowish-tan fabric gloves. The motto In Hoc Signo Vinces is visible on the belt buckle and various badges throughout the set. The transport trunk shows heavy external wear consistent with age, including significant leather surface loss, scuffing, and a partially missing handle, though the lock is functional with the original key. The fatigue cap shows significant flaking and loss to the patent leather finish on the visor. The red leather backing on the belt is dry and exhibits notable cracking and peeling. The white silk portion of the sash shows age-related yellowing and moderate staining. The ostrich plumes on the chapeau are mostly intact but appear fragile due to age. Fabric gloves are soiled and have several small holes. Metallic threads and cast hardware show light surface tarnish.