The Espada Ancha Myth

Jim McDougall · 10th July 2024, 04:26 PM

Thank you for coming in on this Capn!'
This truly is a great example of how many forms of hilt were used on these heavy blades, which as pointed out in my paper, were actually termed 'machete' in period, and actually even in Mexican regions into modern times(Woodward, 1946).

As you have perfectly noted ,
The espada ancha forms with hanger type hilts (or other as seen here) were intended for use in utilitarian purposes such as brushing trails and other use involving heavy vegetation. Their only use as a weapon was the as same kind of 'weapon of opportunity' in brawls or perhaps attacks by Native American tribes if other weapons not usable, where any number of tool forms might have been used.

For me the fascination with these is that though most are of a basic type hilt form with the expected variations reflecting certain decoration and elements favored by the local artisan producing it. .....the huge numbers of anomalies present exciting challenges in identification.

10th July 2024, 04:26 PM	#31
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,946	Thank you for coming in on this Capn!' This truly is a great example of how many forms of hilt were used on these heavy blades, which as pointed out in my paper, were actually termed 'machete' in period, and actually even in Mexican regions into modern times(Woodward, 1946). As you have perfectly noted , The espada ancha forms with hanger type hilts (or other as seen here) were intended for use in utilitarian purposes such as brushing trails and other use involving heavy vegetation. Their only use as a weapon was the as same kind of 'weapon of opportunity' in brawls or perhaps attacks by Native American tribes if other weapons not usable, where any number of tool forms might have been used. For me the fascination with these is that though most are of a basic type hilt form with the expected variations reflecting certain decoration and elements favored by the local artisan producing it. .....the huge numbers of anomalies present exciting challenges in identification.