Southwest/Mexican sword or early cutlass?
 

Can anybody identify this sword for me and the approximate age? I bought it a year or so ago on eBay where the seller described it as an early cutlass (see the model ship in the background), but subsequent to that I saw a similar sword on a collector's forum identified as a Spanish colonial/Southwest/Mexican sword of local manufacture. I can't find the original discussion though. Along with the somewhat crude manufacture, the other distinguishing characteristic is the open (visible) sandwich structure of the hilt. The sword is 26 inches long, the blade is 22 inches, and the width of the blade at the hilt is 1 3/4 inches.

Hi Elfina,
What you have here is an excellent example of a known but unusual form of the Spanish colonial 'espada ancha'. These with the hooked pommel seem to come from regions in northern Mexico rather than the more commonly seen forms from the frontier regions in New Mexico, Arizona and California as well as lower Texas.
These rugged swords were most commonly used by civilians and were actually heavy and cutlass like in order to handle clearing the tough chaparral and vegetation which is thick in the desert regions, and actually were forerunners of the machete.
This example appears to be from the earlier quarter of the 19th century, and the alternating quillons on the crossguard and central platform resemble weapons illustrated from some of the forces in the Mexican wars for independence (1810-1821). It seems I have seen similar hilts in recent projects involving that period.
Very nice example, and I would be happy to discuss more in detail if you will contact me privately.

All the best,
Jim

Thank you very much Jim! I've been a member of the Forum for only a short week but I really feel I've already gotten more than my "money's worth", so to speak.

Eric

That's a highly interesting espada ancha. What are the grips made of?

Eric, working through the protocol right now will be in touch soon.
Jim

The outside surfaces are metal, two inner ones are wood, and the very middle, consisting of the tang, is (of course) metal.

That's what we are here for anyway!

m

They seem like iron to me? ...

m

Absolutely beautiful piece reflecting all the adventure and wildness of the Spanish colonial era! You should be proud! The grips on these are iron with either horn or wood sandwiched in the middle.

Eric, all is set so please send me a PM .
I forgot to point out that this distinct 'hooked' pommel is characteristic of knives and espada anchas from the Potosi regions north of Mexico City, but I have one which turned up in New Mexico. That is easily explained of course with the trade routes which travelled periodically to Santa Fe.

All the best,
Jim