Espada Ancha: Frontier Swords of New Spain

Jim McDougall · 25th October 2009, 10:59 PM

As I enter the deserts of Arizona, once again I am compelled to think of the fantastic cultural history of these regions, from the time of the Conquistadors through the Spanish Colonial era and the closely related and colorful history of Mexico.

I have always found the rugged and innovative weapons created by the relatively few swordsmiths and more typically, the presidial blacksmiths, incredibly fascinating. The most distinct of these is of course, the hanger known as the espada ancha, which literally means loosely ,large or heavy bladed sword. Many of these swords, which reflect the influence of the stylish hunting type hangers worn by the fashionable gentry in England and parts of Europe from the 17th century and well through the 18th, did indeed have such heavy blades. Many of the forms that seem to be from the larger presidios or posts seem to have had the 'dragoon' type broadsword blades.

I'd like to discuss more on these frontier swords, and am attaching some examples from Lee Jones' outstanding article to establish the form. For those interested in these, this article presents an excellent summary of the history of these weapons, and is one of the very few works ever written in them.

Hopefully we can see more examples from members and readers out there, and perhaps see if we can determine some regional or period characteristics.

1. Unusual silver mounts, the upper part of the knuckleguard removed as well as the shellguard which would have curved from guard over blade forte.. The blade appears of hexagonal military form.

2. Latter 18th century with vertically grooved shield shaped guard rather than more commonly seen striated clamshell type guard over forte. The blade is one of the c.1760's 'dragoon' type military broadsword blades.

3. Probably early 19th century example which truly represents the frontier 'espada ancha', with extremely heavy blacksmith type blade, again with guard missing.

4. Another frontier example which reflects the associations between these and the machete, much needed in traversing the incredibly thick vegetation of Sonoran desert. This is stated probably latter 19th century and blade is fashioned from heavy steel stock, with hilt of traditional form.

25th October 2009, 10:59 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,902	Espada Ancha: Frontier Swords of New Spain As I enter the deserts of Arizona, once again I am compelled to think of the fantastic cultural history of these regions, from the time of the Conquistadors through the Spanish Colonial era and the closely related and colorful history of Mexico. I have always found the rugged and innovative weapons created by the relatively few swordsmiths and more typically, the presidial blacksmiths, incredibly fascinating. The most distinct of these is of course, the hanger known as the espada ancha, which literally means loosely ,large or heavy bladed sword. Many of these swords, which reflect the influence of the stylish hunting type hangers worn by the fashionable gentry in England and parts of Europe from the 17th century and well through the 18th, did indeed have such heavy blades. Many of the forms that seem to be from the larger presidios or posts seem to have had the 'dragoon' type broadsword blades. I'd like to discuss more on these frontier swords, and am attaching some examples from Lee Jones' outstanding article to establish the form. For those interested in these, this article presents an excellent summary of the history of these weapons, and is one of the very few works ever written in them. Hopefully we can see more examples from members and readers out there, and perhaps see if we can determine some regional or period characteristics. 1. Unusual silver mounts, the upper part of the knuckleguard removed as well as the shellguard which would have curved from guard over blade forte.. The blade appears of hexagonal military form. 2. Latter 18th century with vertically grooved shield shaped guard rather than more commonly seen striated clamshell type guard over forte. The blade is one of the c.1760's 'dragoon' type military broadsword blades. 3. Probably early 19th century example which truly represents the frontier 'espada ancha', with extremely heavy blacksmith type blade, again with guard missing. 4. Another frontier example which reflects the associations between these and the machete, much needed in traversing the incredibly thick vegetation of Sonoran desert. This is stated probably latter 19th century and blade is fashioned from heavy steel stock, with hilt of traditional form. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 26th October 2009 at 12:14 AM.