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Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
These are both fantastic swords!!!! and as you know I have an affinity for Spanish and Mexican swords we've been talking about for 10 years +
The first one is of course naval due to fouled anchor and the eagle and snake emblem of Republic of Mexico from post 1825. The similar sword (hilt) resembling this one and attributed to Ramon Martinez Caro must be from his career well past his attachment to Santa Anna during the Texas campaigns of `1836.
This type hilt is interesting as it incorporates the American eagle head pommel with the British 'gothic' style hilt of mid 19th c. and if not mistaken these were produced in Germany for Mexico and Latin American countries later in 19thc.
It seems that also in this time Ames (1850s+) was producing eagle head swords for Mexican army.
The second sword has the typical 'phrygian hat' type pommel of French M1822 cavalry sabers (later copied by US as the M1840). While these were known in late 1820s most are associated with later periods, especially with the RM mark and liberty hat with feather surround.....also the A.C. was a supplier in Mexico, A. Columbuzier, later in 19th c. and I think Mexico City.
Not sure why it would be deemed a cutlass though with regular cavalry blade.Attached example of my 'cutlass' c. 1870s + with same markings.
Also shown an Ames Mexican army hilt probably 1860s-70s and Mexican cavalry saber late 1820s -30s with Spanish motto blade.
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The Ames eagle pommel and probably grip were of one, the blade another and the hilt a French Cutler, you can just make out the French cartouche. I see something new very time I revisit those files from Dave Parks site.
The naval officer sword has an almost enlarged Widmann type VI profile but I'm sure it was just influence
Cheers
GC