A Bilbo with inscriptions on the blade

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by ulfberth

Thank you Jim , indeed it does raise more questions , as in general it is accepted this model to be 1728 if im correct, still the blade is 1720 and this is not a munitions type blade but it is the type of blade that fits the Bilbo.
So the sword type was probably around before 1728, should we therefore presume that the sword became model 1728 because on date date it was ordered in larger numbers for certain parts of the military?
kind regards
Ulfberth

From my understanding with Spanish swords the regulation patterns as far as classification were inclined to correspond with the year the regulations were instituted. With this being the case, it was not a form ordered or begun in that year, but the extant form(s) which were already in use, and in many cases they had been in use for some time prior to the regulation year. The idea was simply to standardize in some degree.

I think my example (posted) is more 'munition' grade, while yours is clearly for an officer or individual of standing.

These arming swords seem to have become virtually a standard type which prevailed for military forces, as noted, for virtually more than a century, from 17th into early 19th. In 'Pierce & Chamberlain' (1972) it is even described as a M1769.

It seems the term 'bilbo' for these was a colloquial term for them which became popularized in Great Britain, presuming these came primarily from the port of Bilbao in Spain. (Basque country). The term itself seems to have been in use as early as 16th c. for the Mondragon steel from these Basque regions which was used in finely tempered blades (as seen in Shakespearean use).

The blades which were produced for these swords were produced of course over that time, and seem to have been of various cross section and character but most commonly broadsword (DE). As these in use in the colonies were often kept by the troops as they left the service, the blades were often remounted and saw further use in different hilts.

With a sword form, and its blades, in use for such a long period, as well as in such varied areas of the Spanish colonies, not to mention those which remained in Spain and Portugal, the questions pertaining to the variations and nuances of these are pretty much innumerable.

All the better thats what makes them such fascinating swords!