BASKET HILT FOR ID

[Cerjak]

I would like to know from which kind of sword this basket hilt is.

Any comment on it will be welcome.

Best
Cerjak

[Jim McDougall]

I would suggest this hilt is most likely a Spanish Colonial contrivance, and seems to correspond in degree to the shellguard espada we eventually attributed to Brazil and South American provenance. These have similar dots and lined profile in a radiused shell configuration in the motif.
The heavy swirl and domed rivets etc. also remind me of 19th c. Spanish colonial 'faux court' swords. The narrow blade aperture looks like it would be for one of these kind of stiff narrow dress type blades.

Aside from perhaps 'theatrical' potential, the Spanish colonial seems plausible. There may be a potential for a fencing type weapon as well.

[Jim McDougall]

Those were just my comments as per your request, not satisfactory?
I'd be interested in your opinion on the hilt, or anybody out there. It is an interesting example and I think worth at least some comment or response.

[M ELEY]

I agree with Jim wholeheartedly. Spanish colonial, mid- to late 19th. The basket work with raised rivets exactly like the espadas in Brincherhoff's Spanish colonial sword book (pg 176, plate 174/175 for rivet-constructed swords). I've often compared the recurved bars, with their primitive line design/star decorations and unique raised rivets to early Mexican spurs as far as similarity in design.

Jim, I remember you helping me identify my Brazilian cutlass from years ago, that piece decorated with similar designs...

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you so much Mark!!!
Yes those cutlasses were truly the link to the southern Americas version of the espada ancha, and were classic examples of the rural charm and design of these Spanish Colonial weapons. The rivets on this, as you point out, also remind me of the so called 'round tang' espada anchas with the four branch guards (Adams, '85).
All the best,
Jim

[Cerjak]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Thank you so much Mark!!!
Yes those cutlasses were truly the link to the southern Americas version of the espada ancha, and were classic examples of the rural charm and design of these Spanish Colonial weapons. The rivets on this, as you point out, also remind me of the so called 'round tang' espada anchas with the four branch guards (Adams, '85).
All the best,
Jim

Hello Jim
Thank you for your comment I have spent many time in research to find an example with similar hilt without result ,if you have a picture for a similar sword I would be happy to see it.
Best
Cerjak