Hi Mark,
Ive been plowing through Robson, and Neumann, and noticed the American cutlasses, which are remarkable similar in construction, but no blades like this one....I remain convinced at this point that this upticked point is the work of a Spanish colonial smith who knew, at least in degree, the frontier espada anchas. It remains unclear if perhaps the blade, or blades were fashioned by one smith, and mounted by a blacksmith, or of the entire work was all by the same smith.
In curiosity about how early ribbed iron grips were used, I did find one reference in Neumann (p.185, 372.S) describing one of the earlier forms of double ellipse hilts (favored by British and American forces). It is noted, concerning some of these cutlasses, showing as mentioned very similar construction, that, "...most early examples have a smooth cylinder of lapped iron covering thier grip. Post Revolutionary War versions usually include a corrugated iron grip..."
On p.102, describing American ships which were typically privately owned merchantmen or privateers, and that the cutlasses were "..usually sturdy, but made as inexpensively as possible-more often by the local blacksmith than the sword cutler".
By the latter 18th century, Spain maintained control of many Caribbean ports at least nominally, and there was increasing trade with the colonies, with one of the key locations Havana.
It would seem these crude rectangular stirrup hilts were certainly established in the American colonies just prior to and after the Revolutionary War, and I have often wondered just how involved Spain might have been in certain diplomatic or other contacts in these times. I have heard of a degree of contact, but never really studied it further.
The condition of this sword overall as well as its workmanlike composition does suggest late 18th to early 19th c. and potentially from regions with a great deal of activity between wars, smuggling, trade and colonial decay.
Its a tough one, but more interesting as we go.
Best regards,
Jim
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