Markings or Decorations on Mexican Swords

Jim McDougall · 10th March 2007, 06:03 PM

It was very kind of the lady at this museum to respond, especially with the detailed data on thier holdings. It seems that often, especially these days, museums simply do not have the time, budget or personnel to address the many personal queries they must receive. As she has accurately noted they often charge handsomely. Also, information from dealers must be carefully guaged as thier responses may be closely associated to the marketability of thier holdings or interest in the purchase of an item for resale.

The swords of Mexico are a fascinating and colorfully historical sector in the study of arms and armor that are tremendously underresearched and represented. I am sincerely grateful that Matt has posted this sword here and kept us apprized with updates on his tenacious research on this very historic and beautifully provenaced example.
Thank you so much Matt

!
All the best,
Jim

Matt Branch · 10th March 2007, 11:24 PM

Thanks Jim,
Liz was the most helpful of all I have contacted, and I understand the lack of time and money in museums ect we all have that some times.
I wish I could travel to some of the museums I have found on line, some say they have over a hundred edged weapons but have no photos to search through.
The photos Liz sent have left me with more questions than answers, the hilt on these two swords look very similar to mine and I would like to know where they came from, also I wish I could see the eagls she describes on one of the blades.
Jim, I have been thinking about your comment about the John Walter book and that swords were marketed along with cutlery and tableware and I am starting to follow that path to see where it may lead, do you know of any sources I can check ?
Thanks again
Regards
Matt

10th March 2007, 11:24 PM	#2
Matt Branch Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 36	Time and money Thanks Jim, Liz was the most helpful of all I have contacted, and I understand the lack of time and money in museums ect we all have that some times. I wish I could travel to some of the museums I have found on line, some say they have over a hundred edged weapons but have no photos to search through. The photos Liz sent have left me with more questions than answers, the hilt on these two swords look very similar to mine and I would like to know where they came from, also I wish I could see the eagls she describes on one of the blades. Jim, I have been thinking about your comment about the John Walter book and that swords were marketed along with cutlery and tableware and I am starting to follow that path to see where it may lead, do you know of any sources I can check ? Thanks again Regards Matt

10th March 2007, 06:03 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,584	It was very kind of the lady at this museum to respond, especially with the detailed data on thier holdings. It seems that often, especially these days, museums simply do not have the time, budget or personnel to address the many personal queries they must receive. As she has accurately noted they often charge handsomely. Also, information from dealers must be carefully guaged as thier responses may be closely associated to the marketability of thier holdings or interest in the purchase of an item for resale. The swords of Mexico are a fascinating and colorfully historical sector in the study of arms and armor that are tremendously underresearched and represented. I am sincerely grateful that Matt has posted this sword here and kept us apprized with updates on his tenacious research on this very historic and beautifully provenaced example. Thank you so much Matt ! All the best, Jim