Determining the value of one-of-a-kind objects can sometimesrequire the investigative talents of Sherlock Holmes and the wisdomof Solomon.

Enservio Select was recently asked to provide a retailreplacement value for a stolen, 19th century Masonic fraternalsword.

We contacted the insured, who confirmed hisgreat-great-grandfather was indeed a Freemason. Though theinsured did not have any images of the claimed sword; he didprovide a single photo of a similar sword he had found on theInternet. The insured estimated the value of the sword to bebetween $15,000 and $30,000.

The photo provided was that of a modern fraternal sword theinsured claimed had characteristics similar to those of his ownstolen sword. This particular example sold for slightly over $100from an online retailer that also sells many other modern Masonicfraternal swords retailing from $18-$110.

However, the insured's sword was alleged to be from the 19thcentury, not a modern example. The insured also stated the swordwas originally owned by his great-great-grandfather. Based on thisbackground from the insured, we made the assumption that the swordwas a 19th century example of a Masonic fraternal sword,similar to the one shown in the image provided by the insured, andconducted further in-depth research on the product category. Thesword contained a red cross, which was a symbol used widely by theMasonic fraternal order in the 19th century.

The next step was to explore the retail market for 19th centuryMasonic swords. Antique Masonic swords are often found in thecollectible market in places such as estate auctions, liveauctions, eBay auctions and antique retail shops. We also consultedwith estate auctioneers and with various edged-weaponscollectors.

Based on this research, many examples of similar like kind andquality 19th century Masonic swords were found in thesemarkets selling for $300 to $700. More detailed and ornate swordscan sell in the high-end antique retail market in the $700 to$1,200 range. We determine the insured's sword was in fact adetailed ornate 19th century Masonic Knights Templar sword.

Further research revealed that the insured's estimated value ofhis sword was far from accurate. Enservio Select concluded that thereasonable vintage retail replacement value of the sword was$1,200; a far cry from the $30,000 estimation.

Unfortunately, in this case, the sword was not a cut above therest.

Steve Leone is a review appraiser for Needham,Mass.-based Enservio, an insurance software andinventory and valuation services company.