Rare Antique 19th Century - A.O.H. Ceremonial Sword -Ancient Order of Hibernians

Description

The Ancient Order of Hibernians was a secret fraternal organization that defended Irish immigrants from bigotry and violent attacks in 19th century America. This sword has an unsharpened blade and so appears to be ceremonial.
The hilt of this sword is very similar to the Civil War era Model 1860 Staff and Field Officers' Infantry Sword with the difference being the initials "A.O.H" on the cross guard.
The blade is firmly set into a wire wrapped, black leather grip which is in uncommonly good condition.
The brass guard has a pommel with an eagle on one side and a shield on the other. The knuckle guard is inserted into the pommel at one end, and is anchored at the other by the cross guard fitted around the blade. There is some looseness in the guard.
The sword's total length is 36" with a 30 1/4" long blade which is in very good condition with only some smudges and marks from its age and use.
In 1836 the Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded in New York City and in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania to protect Irish immigrants and their Catholic churches from violent attacks by some Americans who were reacting to the vast influx of Irish immigrants fleeing Ireland’s famine.
The early AOH shared meeting halls with other fraternal societies like the Odd Fellows, Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Pythias. Its membership was secret, well-guarded and restricted to Irish Catholics. Members have included labor leaders Terrence Powderly and John Sweeney, Bishops John Lennon and Fulton Sheen, and President John F. Kennedy.
Still active today, the AOH is watchful for Irish defamation, and also acts against all types of ethnic bias.