Rare XL 7.5 Vintage Masonic Knights Templar Past Commander Chapeau Regalia Set For Sale

Rare XL 7.5 Vintage Masonic Knights Templar Past Commander Chapeau Regalia Set

• Fraternal Group: Masons, Freemasonry

• Organization: York Rite, Knights Templar

• Rank: Commander / Past Commander

• Item Type: Ceremonial Uniform Regalia Set

• Hat Size: 7 ½ (Extra Large / XL)

• Manufacturer: The Ward-Stilson Co. / C.E. Ward Co.

• Era: Mid-20th Century (Circa 1965)

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

• Featured Refinements: Plumed Chapeau, Leather Carrying Case, Dress Gloves, 1965 Grand Encampment Pamphlet

• Condition: Used / Vintage

# Vintage Masonic Knights Templar Past Commander Chapeau & Regalia Set

## Complete Historical Grouping • Rare Collector Size 7 ½ (XL) • Original Case & Provenance

Up for sale is a beautifully preserved, complete vintage grouping of Masonic Knights Templar ceremonial uniform regalia, dating to the mid-20th century. This remarkably intact set features strong, documented historical provenance tracing back to its original owner in Storm Lake, Iowa, alongside a highly sought-after, hard-to-find modern size.

### 🌟 HIGHLIGHTS & KEY DETAILS:

* **RARE SIZE 7 ½ (XL):** Finding high-quality vintage fraternal chapeaux in an Extra Large size 7 ½ is exceptionally rare. Most historical hats from this era were made in smaller sizes (6 ⅞ to 7 ⅛). This makes the set highly desirable for modern active members looking for wearable vintage regalia.

* **PAST COMMANDER RANK:** The chapeau is adorned with a stunning, high-relief gold bullion side rosette framing a brilliant crimson velvet passion cross. The radiating gold bullion rays definitively mark this as the uniform of a Commander or Past Commander.

* **DOCUMENTED HISTORICAL PROVENANCE:** The hard leather carrying case is professionally stenciled in elegant gold gothic script with the name of its original owner: **"Robert C. Ritchie, Storm Lake, Iowa"**. Historical legal records identify Mr. Ritchie as a prominent attorney at law practicing in Storm Lake during the mid-20th century.

* **FRATERNAL LINEAGE:** The interior crown features a hand-stitched cloth identification label for a subsequent owner, **Glenn H. Nelson**. It was a common and honorable tradition within the Commandery to pass down expensive, finely tailored dress uniforms to succeeding Sir Knights of the same hat size.

### 📦 WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS SET:

1. **The Plumed Chapeau (Bicorne Hat):** Black velvet base draped with a magnificent, thick white ostrich feather plume. The interior crown features the classic manufacturer crest reading *"Supreme Quality - American Manufacture"*, a trademark stamp heavily utilized by the renowned **Ward-Stilson Company** (Anderson, IN) and **The C.E. Ward Company** (New London, OH). Features a genuine leather inner sweatband.

2. **Hard Leather Carrying Case:** A custom-shaped, dark-tan travel vault built specifically to protect the delicate ostrich feathers. Features a rugged leather handle and a secure brass locking latch mechanism.

3. **Formal Dress Gloves:** A pair of vintage cream-colored fabric dress gloves featuring functional metal snap-button wrists, used during uniform inspections and formal sword drills.

4. **1965 Grand Encampment Pamphlet:** An original 1965 program booklet titled *"Charting the Course: An Official Communication"*, issued by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the U.S.A. The cover beautifully displays the historical Mariner's Compass emblem.

### 🔍 CONDITION REPORT:

This set is in beautiful vintage condition, reflecting decades of respectful care and storage.

* **Chapeau:** The black velvet body is structurally sound. The gold bullion embroidery remains bright with minimal tarnishing. The ostrich feathers are incredibly plush, clean, and full. The interior lining and sweatband are intact with only light wear from ceremonial use.

* **Carrying Case:** Strong and fully functional with fantastic vintage character. The original handle and hardware are firmly attached. The stenciled lettering remains sharp and highly legible.

* **Gloves & Booklet:** The gloves show expected light oxidation/discoloration from age but remain fully intact with functioning snaps. The 1965 pamphlet is complete with clean, legible pages and minor edge wear.

*Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully to evaluate the condition details. This item is being sold as-is with all original vintage patina.*

### 📦 SHIPPING & HANDLING:

The set will be packed with professional-grade materials. The chapeau will be safely secured inside its carrying case with internal support to ensure the ostrich plume is not crushed or damaged during transit. Fast, tracked, and insured shipping.