Uniform

The Knights Templar are a uniformed Order. Basically, Knights Templar are in uniform for every function that they participate in, from Stated Conclaves to Observances to Official Visits.

Each Sir Knight should review the Uniform Regulations and seek guidance from his
Commander or Recorder if questions arise. Remember that this is a UNIFORM, akin to a
Military Uniform and should be treated as such. The regulations exist to assist Sir Knights in
maintaining their correct appearance. A neat and well–groomed appearance by a uniformed
Knight Templar is of fundamental importance to the Order and contributes to building the pride and esprit de corps to furthering the objectives of the Order. It is the duty of all Knights Templar to take pride in their appearance at all times.
Note: When wearing the uniform, some insignia may be optional but the uniform is NOT open to interpretation or modifications with bolo-ties, tennis shoes, black shirts, extra awards and other items, not specified or authorized by the Grand Encampment Constitution.

  • Uniform – From the Constitution of the Grand Commandery of Maryland:
    • A. FOR SIR KNIGHTS
      • The Templar coat
        • … shall be a double breasted coat made of dull black fabric with three outside pockets, one on each hip with straight square flaps and one on the left breast, and three black Cross and Crown No. 30 (3/4-inch diameter) Knights Templar Buttons down each forefront.
        • Each sleeve shall be trimmed with a strip of silver braid (lace), one-quarter inch wide, encircling the sleeve at a point three inches from the bottom of the braid to the bottom edge of the sleeve. Each sleeve shall be ornamented with a bullion/embroidered or metal red passion cross two inches in height which may be outlined in silver without rays, placed on the outside center one half inch above the lace. No sleeve buttons or velvet cuffs.
        • The coat shall have a three to four inch slit over the left hip either under the pocket flap or in the side seam (to be used for access to sword hook and sling straps).
        • Lapel pins shall be worn one-half inch below the notch and properly centered with base parallel with the notch. A silver “MD” lapel pin shall be worn on the right and on the left lapel the member’s Commandery number in silver.
        • Shoulder straps, when authorized, shall be attached one-half inch in-board from each shoulder seam. Shoulder straps are authorized for: Captain General, Generalissimo, and Commander (green background with emblem of office in silver); Past Commander (red background with passion cross with rays); …
      • A plain white shirt having a turn down collar
      • A plain black tie without jewelry
      • Black trousers …
        • (Not in the Constitution, but still desired):
          • … Without cuffs. There should be no braid, stripe, or piping at the seams, not any other ornamentation.
      • Buff-colored gloves.
      • Not in the Constitution, but rounding out the uniform:
        • Socks should be plain black without any ornamentation.
        • Shoes shall be of black leather, of any desired style.
    • B. FOR COMMANDERS
      The Templar coat shall be the same as that of the Sir Knights except as herein specified.
      • Each sleeve shall be trimmed with a strip of Gold braid (lace), one-quarter inch wide, encircling the sleeve at a point three inches from the bottom of the braid to the bottom edge of the sleeve.
      • Each sleeve shall be ornamented with a bullion/embroidered or metal red passion cross outlined in gold with rays, two inches in height.
      • Lapel pins shall be gold toned.
    • C. FOR PAST COMMANDERS
      The Templar coat shall be the same as that of Commanders with the addition of a strip of gold lace, one-quarter inch wide, encircling each sleeve at a point one-half inch from the bottom of the braid to the bottom edge of the sleeve.
  • Full Grand Commandery of Maryland Uniform Regulations (with pictures)
  • Where to Purchase
    • Jacket
      • Any double breasted black jacket will do as a starter uniform, if you don’t want to run out and purchase a jacket below.
        • If you are going to get your own jacket (not from a provider below), here is what you will also need to alter:
          • KT Uniform Button – Large – Black. You will need to replace the buttons on the front of your jacket with these. (Purchase on Fratline.net or other retailer)
          • Remove any buttons on your sleeves of your jacket
          • A pair of Sir Knight Sleeve Crosses (silver, 2 inches).
          • Silver Lace for each sleeve (Commandery will provide this to you):
            • Sewing details for sleeves: Each sleeve shall be trimmed with a strip of silver braid (lace), one-quarter inch wide, encircling the sleeve at a point three inches from the bottom of the braid to the bottom edge of the sleeve. Each sleeve shall be ornamented with a bullion/embroidered or metal red passion cross two inches in height which may be outlined in silver without rays, placed on the outside center one half inch above the lace.
          • The coat shall have a three to four inch slit over the left hip either under the pocket flap or in the side seam (to be used for access to sword hook and sling straps).
      • LightHouse Uniform (there are other providers)
        • Button Style: Black Cross & Crown
        • Sword Slit: Yes (Sword slit is in the left pocket.)
        • Flaps on Pockets: Yes 3.5 inch up from the cuff – (2 inch Crosses)
        • KT Sleeve Device: 2 inch Silver Bullion (Sir Knight Sleeve Crosses)
        • Velcro on Shoulders: Yes
        • KT Sleeve Buttons: No
        • Velvet Cuffs: No
      • Milford Commandery Store
    • Chapeau
      • Note the Plumes for all Maryland Commandery’s are Black. Most other states and the Grand Encampment have white Plumes. (See March 1882 in our history.)
      • Fratline (there are other providers)
        • Knight Templar Sir Knight Chapeau – Black Plume
      • New London Regalia
        • Plume Color: Black (Please verify with the vendor that they can provide a Black Plume.)
        • Rosette – Silver Passion Cross (for Sir Knights).
        • Plume: Standard
        • Tassel: No
        • Slashings: No
    • Red Cross Hat (optional – these are only worn during the Order of the Red Cross and not at any other time.)
      • As of June 1st, 2024, the Commandery has a number of these hats it the back.
      • Currently the only know vendor for this style of hat is Brickmasons.com. While the shape of this hat is correct, the details on what they have for sale isn’t. We would need to talk to them to verify that they can provide the correct details before anyone should buy one.
      • New London Regalia
        • Style: KT 375 – Bell Crown
        • Chin Strap & Button: Silver
        • Wide Band: No
        • Scrambled Eggs on Bill of Hat: No
        • Cap Cross: TBD
  • Misc Uniform Parts (see the Commandery Recorder before you purchase, as many of these items will be provided by the Commandery)
    • Silver Braid / Lace for uniform sleeves.
    • Lapel Pins (“MD” & “1”).
    • Name Tag
    • Jewel of Office (will be provided when installed)
    • Shoulder Boards (will be provided when installed)
    • Sword Sling (available online, or through Grand Commandery.) (We may have an extra one or two in the closet, but except to cover our costs for it. ~$15-$20.)
  • Sword
    1. A new sword isn’t cheap, so before you run out and buy one, know that the Commandery has a number of older swords that you are welcome to use.
    2. The Grand Commandery has a program (details TBD) that will provide you a sword once you have purchased your Jacket and Chapeau.
    3. If you still want your own custom sword, this is what meets the Maryland regulations:
      • Knight Templar – KT 17 – New London Regalia
        • Finish: Nickel for Sir Knights; Gold for Eminent Commanders
        • Blade Length: your choice
        • Initials On Grip: your choice
        • Name On Blade: your choice
        • In addition, you will need to ask for the following two modifications: First you will need a chain on the handle. (Like KT-19) Second, you don’t want the “Red Enamel” on the triangles on the hilt. They can leave it off.
  • Apron (Optional)
    • The Commandery has approve the wearing of a triangular templar apron. We are (slowly) working towards having custom aprons made for the Commandery. (Don’t run out a buy an apron.)

Uniform Cost

The base Templar uniform of Coat, Chapeau, and sword sling, will run a new Sir Knight approximately, $970 (Coat ~$600, Chapeau ~$350, Sling ~$20)