Interesting link, Javier.
In fact i also have the monography by Armando Canelhas, which i confess was a little forgotten in my readings.

Fascinating story that of the Mbele a Lulendo. Actually I got offered one of those in 2006 and I really took it for a XVIth century Portuguese sword. I did not buy it however. I must have pictures somewhere...And a loose hilt appeared at ebay in 2012:

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sho...7-What-is-this

I now think that the colonial Spanish swords with the lobated dish-hilt and brass applications at knucklebow and cross are from Philippines.

PS. I found the pictures from the sword I was offered in 2006 and it is the same "1697" sword discussed above.

Following "Swords a la Portuguese part two" may be found HERE

Just to inform those interested in the subject that there’s an Osprey Men-at-Arms publication by David Nicolle entitled The Portuguese in the Age of Discovery c.1340-1665. It’s available on the internet. ;)

Thanks for the hint, Victrix :).
Just ordered a copy.
Print on demand, they say. It will probably take ages to be delivered :( .
In fact i knew about this publication; but i kept wondering how (in) accurate it may be :o.