Southwest/Mexican sword or early cutlass?

Jim McDougall · 2nd May 2012, 02:24 PM

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

2nd May 2012, 02:24 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	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