Pirate swords and weapons 2

[M ELEY]

Thanks so much, Jim! It means alot to have your input. The attribution to an espada is fascinating, as I have ended up with a grouping of these swords quite by but now they fit nicely in the pirate/privateer theme. I am surprised at your memory of the eagle hilt (actually, it's a primative lion head) and you are exactly right in that it does have the Spanish motto and is marked Solingen. There are a couple more pics of these swords in 023 coming up as well as a few other sundry pieces.

018- More detail of the 3 sabers from the first photo. The middle one already discussed as the M1799. The bottom piece a Spanish broadsword, ca.1790-1820. The top one a true AMerican piece, circa 1780-1810, with typical pommel, ivory/bone grip, European blade with splays of arms, etc. At one time, the guard apparently damaged and replaced with a simple crosspiece of walnut.

[M ELEY]

017- A closeup of the above grouping...

[M ELEY]

016- A closeup of the cast lionhead hilt...

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

016- A closeup of the cast lionhead hilt...

Pics added

[M ELEY]

015- Top pic is of a "New Spain" colonial sword/cutlass, ca.1800-20 period with swelled horn grip and 3 branched guard piened to cup guard. This guard always reminds me of later Mexican metal work spurs. According to "Spanish Swords in Colonial America", these types probably more Central/South American. There was a resurgence of pirate activity in the 1810-30 time period in the Caribbean, particularly with Cuban pirates. Likewise, the logwood cutters of Compeche and Hondurus were always quick to take up piracy when their work dropped off or was halted.
Middle is the head of a naval pike, probably British, ca 1810.
Bottom pic is the now-identified Brazilian espada (Thanks, Jim!!!) previously discussed.

[M ELEY]

013- Here is a nice comparison of a New Spain bilbo (top) vs a traditional bilbo already discussed.
The New Spain bilbo (top) I thought was an interesting piece obviously assembled from availible materials in the New World. Blade consists of one of the numerous earlier Spanish blades (markings so worn so as to be unreadible, but I do see a Maltese cross??) cut down to fit this piece. The bilobate cup similar to the traditional bilbo with decorations (see below), the plain wood hilt/wire wrap and pommel of the period (ca 1780-1830). Note the crude bars of the guard brazed into a unique shape. This piece, I believe, has cross appeal as not only an antique, but also as a form of folk art.

[M ELEY]

011- Detail of New Spain bilbo guard...

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

013- Here is a nice comparison of a New Spain bilbo (top) vs a traditional bilbo already discussed.
The New Spain bilbo (top) I thought was an interesting piece obviously assembled from availible materials in the New World. Blade consists of one of the numerous earlier Spanish blades (markings so worn so as to be unreadible, but I do see a Maltese cross??) cut down to fit this piece. The bilobate cup similar to the traditional bilbo with decorations (see below), the plain wood hilt/wire wrap and pommel of the period (ca 1780-1830). Note the crude bars of the guard brazed into a unique shape. This piece, I believe, has cross appeal as not only an antique, but also as a form of folk art.

Pics added

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

013- Here is a nice comparison of a New Spain bilbo (top) vs a traditional bilbo already discussed.
The New Spain bilbo (top) I thought was an interesting piece obviously assembled from availible materials in the New World. Blade consists of one of the numerous earlier Spanish blades (markings so worn so as to be unreadible, but I do see a Maltese cross??) cut down to fit this piece. The bilobate cup similar to the traditional bilbo with decorations (see below), the plain wood hilt/wire wrap and pommel of the period (ca 1780-1830). Note the crude bars of the guard brazed into a unique shape. This piece, I believe, has cross appeal as not only an antique, but also as a form of folk art.

I am enjoying this thread greatly and there is a wonderful array of pirate/privateer and naval weapons displayed, a most interesting collection.
I have attached an image you displayed earlier and would like to add a few facts about the bottom sword that has been discussed as it is one of my all time favorites apart from the later and rarer 1796 pattern.
The sword you originally posted is a 1728 pattern spanish cavalry sword, look up Juan José Pérez works on this subject matter, the following is a quote from his works and the second image is an peroid engraving he displays in his works.

"In 1728 a regulation sword patttern for cavalry troopers appears for the first time in Spain, anticipating itself this way to many other countries of its surroundings. This pattern, defined by Royal Ordenance of July 12th of that year, presents a double-edged straight blade (as all Spanish cavalry swords of 18th cent.), having a double-shell iron hilt with knuckle-bow and curved quillons, as a period engraving shows along with the scabbard, made in leather-covered wood. Length of blade 940 mm, width 36 mm,
thickness 6 mm."

Keep up the great work guys, I will continue to view with great interest.

regards

Gav

PS if you look closely you will see what appears to be the Maltese cross you mention that is on the top sword.

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

015- Top pic is of a "New Spain" colonial sword/cutlass, ca.1800-20 period with swelled horn grip and 3 branched guard piened to cup guard. This guard always reminds me of later Mexican metal work spurs. According to "Spanish Swords in Colonial America", these types probably more Central/South American. There was a resurgence of pirate activity in the 1810-30 time period in the Caribbean, particularly with Cuban pirates. Likewise, the logwood cutters of Compeche and Hondurus were always quick to take up piracy when their work dropped off or was halted.
Middle is the head of a naval pike, probably British, ca 1810.
Bottom pic is the now-identified Brazilian espada (Thanks, Jim!!!) previously discussed.

Pics added

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

017- A closeup of the above grouping...

Pics added

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Thanks so much, Jim! It means alot to have your input. The attribution to an espada is fascinating, as I have ended up with a grouping of these swords quite by but now they fit nicely in the pirate/privateer theme. I am surprised at your memory of the eagle hilt (actually, it's a primative lion head) and you are exactly right in that it does have the Spanish motto and is marked Solingen. There are a couple more pics of these swords in 023 coming up as well as a few other sundry pieces.

018- More detail of the 3 sabers from the first photo. The middle one already discussed as the M1799. The bottom piece a Spanish broadsword, ca.1790-1820. The top one a true AMerican piece, circa 1780-1810, with typical pommel, ivory/bone grip, European blade with splays of arms, etc. At one time, the guard apparently damaged and replaced with a simple crosspiece of walnut.

Pics added