Radboud, outstanding details, examples and observations, which are important in studying these.
I have been involved in research on Spanish makers lately, and it seems Toledo virtually ceased production during the 17th c and by1700 was all but done. It was not until 1761 that Carlos III was determined to reopen but had great difficulty as all the makers were gone.
It was in production finally but mostly with bayonets, though some sword blades were being made. According to "Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America 1700-1821" (Brinckerhoff & Chamberlain 1972.p.90) the Toledo made blades were subject to breakage, so Catalonian were preferred.
RDC Evans ("The Plug Bayonet") notes that the Real Fabrica de Toledo inscription was changed to note 'Artilleria' Fabrica de Toledo, when he directed the activity to that arm of the military.
In Aylward, it is noted that the original colichemarde type blades seem to have been ground down from hexagonal flat blades and by later in the 17th to the triangular (three edge hollow ground) form (c. 1680s?).
While these went out of fashion in civilian circles, the military still kept them, but by 1780s Aylward points out the return the the flat face blade.
One thing I am suspecting is that Bilbao, a port in the northern Basque country has something to do with small sword blades with the Burton (1884) reference calling that triangular section blade 'Biscayan' (Basque).
Their close proximity to the French border and Bay of Biscay offer some possibility I think of cross influence?
Peter, crossed posts!! Excellent notes on the blade form! Another conundrum
