Reproductions

Jim McDougall · 7th June 2025, 04:54 PM

I agree again, there is a great deal of potential adverse effect if we offer a 'course' in production with more authenticity for the wares of those creating to deceive. Those here with experience of course recognize the features and nuances in examples that pretty much scream 'fake', but then there are those which have been refurbished in their working lives to serve as ersatz versions of weapons required.

It is truly hard to tell without hands on examination. I always try to remember to issue observations with the caveat, 'from photos, this APPEARS to be such and such' and then detail whatever particulars I can add toward the use etc of authentic examples.

Some of these 'contrived' examples created in often rural or remote settings as ersatz weapons can be so outlandish that there can be no notion they were ever intended to deceive. Case in point, this Mexican composite likely put together in a frontier area using a most unlikely assembly of components.
Someone trying to produce a deceptive espada ancha would have at least 'tried' to come close.

It is a conundrum indeed, and I have known dealers who avoid posting for these very reasons, 'giving away information'.

7th June 2025, 04:54 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,650	I agree again, there is a great deal of potential adverse effect if we offer a 'course' in production with more authenticity for the wares of those creating to deceive. Those here with experience of course recognize the features and nuances in examples that pretty much scream 'fake', but then there are those which have been refurbished in their working lives to serve as ersatz versions of weapons required. It is truly hard to tell without hands on examination. I always try to remember to issue observations with the caveat, 'from photos, this APPEARS to be such and such' and then detail whatever particulars I can add toward the use etc of authentic examples. Some of these 'contrived' examples created in often rural or remote settings as ersatz weapons can be so outlandish that there can be no notion they were ever intended to deceive. Case in point, this Mexican composite likely put together in a frontier area using a most unlikely assembly of components. Someone trying to produce a deceptive espada ancha would have at least 'tried' to come close. It is a conundrum indeed, and I have known dealers who avoid posting for these very reasons, 'giving away information'. Attached Images