A Bit of History on 4th Degree Regalia

Evolution of the 4th Degree Color Corps regalia is interesting as the
Swords and Uniforms have developed since the institution of the 4th degree.
It is a study in that the only thing constant is change.

The originals words were made by Gleason long before The English
Company or Lynch started making them and they were longer.
The first pommel was an Eagle with a very plain blade but was longer. 
The scabbard for these swords displayed the 3rd degree K of C emblem,
not that of the 4th degree.

     The sword evolved to a shorter version with the head of
Christopher Columbus facing forward when in the Scabbard and
again the use of the 3rd degree insignia.   Modern swords feature
Christopher Columbus facing towards the side when in the scabbard
and the use of the 4th degree emblem.

The older swords were all made by Gleason and the new by either Lynch and Kelly or The
English Company.  Genuine K of C swords only have the Eagle or
Christopher Columbus on the pommel without any chains or hooks
on the scabbard.  The scabbards will feature 3rd or 4th degree emblems only.

     Color Corps around the country initially had their own unique
uniforms which included various chevrons on the chapeau and
other medals and insignias on the capes, with variation of  lining
colors as well.

     Initially, regalia was essentially what Assemblies wanted and
could afford which made for some very elaborate regalia in affluent
assemblies and plain regalia in others. The interesting note is that
the same was true in the Philippines where there was use of either a
white tuxedo jacket, black tuxedo jacket, and the traditional formal
dress shirt commonly used in those hot climates. 
Colors of the various capes and chapeau's were eventually
standardized to those used today.