The symbol of the sword and scales, like many of the symbols adopted in America’s early national period, derives from classical sources and came to be closely identified with the judicial system. It is also used in the rituals of Freemasonry, Odd Fellows, and other fraternal organizations to signify justice. In Freemasonry, the sword and scales symbol is most frequently associated with the Scottish Rite. The Odd Fellows used it in the Fourth Degree before 1882, and in the Third, or Truth, Degree after that date. This prop was probably used by an Odd Fellows lodge, where it is an emblem of “justice which judges with candor and rewards with impartiality.” The scales represent a trial and verdict, and the sword metes out the punishment.