Another "Berber Like Sword."

werecow · 2nd January 2025, 09:44 PM

I wouldn't take it as reliable information about the type or the origin either way. It reads like an ebay description of the sword.

These are interesting though. I saw a few on auction a month or two ago. Was this one of that batch?

drac2k · 2nd January 2025, 10:24 PM

No, it was from Liveauctioneers; maybe someone bought it on Ebay and put it in the auction.
Interesting that you saw a batch as I don't see that many being sold; possibly they were from a collection.

werecow · 3rd January 2025, 03:19 AM

They must have been. There were several at the same auction, but unfortunately I failed to save them to my files because life stuff. I was tempted to bid but I spent all my sword moneys on a crab claw hilted sword.

I'm sure someone else on these boards must've noticed.

Sajen · 3rd January 2025, 07:03 PM

Cuban sword so far I've understood. Sadly the unusual scabbard foot is missing.
Here were these swords discussed: https://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showt...american+sword

G. Mansfield · 3rd January 2025, 10:12 PM

From all the previous research that I have read, these swords are actually Dominican. One example is or was present in the Museo del Ejercito in Toledo, Spain, described as Dominican Republic, 1860 - 1864. Most seem to be from Cibao or Santo Domingo during the Dominican Restoration War Period or thereafter. I personally would take no mind to the sheath writing. It looks to be older but the description is more than likely by a previous seller that attributed it incorrectly. Here is the one that I have currently in my collection.

https://www.the-mansfield-collection...an-machete-396

-Geoffrey

TVV · 3rd January 2025, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G. Mansfield

From all the previous research that I have read, these swords are actually Dominican. One example is or was present in the Museo del Ejercito in Toledo, Spain, described as Dominican Republic, 1860 - 1864. Most seem to be from Cibao or Santo Domingo during the Dominican Restoration War Period or thereafter.

I believe this to be the correct conclusion.

Ian · 4th January 2025, 12:09 AM

Hi drac,

As others have already noted, a northern African origin for these swords has been pretty much dismissed. That discussion is in the Archives. Instead, a Spanish Colonial origin from Latin America appears to be their actual source. Some of these machete/swords seem to have ended up in northern Africa, presumably via Spanish trade routes, which has confused the story somewhat and may have led some to think they were African in origin.

Thanks for reviving this topic It is some time since it was last raised and the African-origin idea persists.

Regards, Ian

3rd January 2025, 10:12 PM	#5
G. Mansfield Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Colorado Posts: 91	From all the previous research that I have read, these swords are actually Dominican. One example is or was present in the Museo del Ejercito in Toledo, Spain, described as Dominican Republic, 1860 - 1864. Most seem to be from Cibao or Santo Domingo during the Dominican Restoration War Period or thereafter. I personally would take no mind to the sheath writing. It looks to be older but the description is more than likely by a previous seller that attributed it incorrectly. Here is the one that I have currently in my collection. https://www.the-mansfield-collection...an-machete-396 -Geoffrey Attached Images

2nd January 2025, 09:44 PM	#1
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 553	I wouldn't take it as reliable information about the type or the origin either way. It reads like an ebay description of the sword. These are interesting though. I saw a few on auction a month or two ago. Was this one of that batch?

2nd January 2025, 10:24 PM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	No, it was from Liveauctioneers; maybe someone bought it on Ebay and put it in the auction. Interesting that you saw a batch as I don't see that many being sold; possibly they were from a collection.

3rd January 2025, 03:19 AM	#3
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 553	They must have been. There were several at the same auction, but unfortunately I failed to save them to my files because life stuff. I was tempted to bid but I spent all my sword moneys on a crab claw hilted sword. I'm sure someone else on these boards must've noticed.

3rd January 2025, 07:03 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	Cuban sword so far I've understood. Sadly the unusual scabbard foot is missing. Here were these swords discussed: https://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showt...american+sword

4th January 2025, 12:09 AM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,360	Hi drac, As others have already noted, a northern African origin for these swords has been pretty much dismissed. That discussion is in the Archives. Instead, a Spanish Colonial origin from Latin America appears to be their actual source. Some of these machete/swords seem to have ended up in northern Africa, presumably via Spanish trade routes, which has confused the story somewhat and may have led some to think they were African in origin. Thanks for reviving this topic It is some time since it was last raised and the African-origin idea persists. Regards, Ian