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Old 9th February 2010, 04:10 PM   #8
Jim McDougall
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 10,191
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kisak
Rather looks like the offspring of a smallsword and a hirschfänger.
Hi Kisak,
Excellent assessment!!! With the presumed Spanish colonial character of this sword at this point, that is a perfect analogy, as the frontier espada anchas were essentially utilitarian much as the hirshfangers were intended. These frontier hangers actually are believed to have developed from European hunting hangers of the 17th century.
With the use of the hirschfangers or 'hunting swords' becoming more stylish and used as 'riding swords' in thier use, of course by the gentry and nobility, they became closely associated in some styling with courtly smallswords.....and this might well be perceived as a frontier 'hirschfanger' or hunting hanger of early Mexico.... or at least pending further identification.

All the best,
Jim
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