Only
Fourth Degree Knights may purchase the full regalia and join the
Assembly’s Color Corps. The Color Corps is the most visible arm of the
Knights and is often seen in parades and other local events wearing
their colorful regalia. Official dress for the Color Corps is a black
tuxedo, baldric, white gloves, cape and naval chapeau. White tuxedos
may also be used on certain occasions. Baldrics are worn from the right
shoulder to left hip and are color specific by nation. In the United
States, baldrics are red, white and blue. Service baldrics include a
scabbard for a sword and are worn over the coat while social baldrics
are worn under the coat.
The colors on a Fourth Degree Knight's cape, and chapeau, denote the
office he holds within the Degree. Faithful Navigators and Past
Faithful Navigators are permitted to carry a white handled silver
sword. Masters and Vice Supreme Masters, as well as Former Masters and
Former Vice Supreme Masters, are also denoted by their gold swords. The
need for a patriotic degree was first considered in 1886 and a special
plea was made at the National Meeting of 1899. The first Fourth Degree
exemplification followed in 1900 with 1,100 Knights participating at
the Lenox Lyceum in New York City. Today there are more than 2,500
Assemblies.