The Spanish did not invent it. It can be found in Italian XVIth swords and possibly before that. Hoste (les Epees) has also French examples. I think I have not seen Spanish swords with it before 1650. The boastful meaning is not in the spirit of the previous period for Spain. Duels were very rare in Spain. Pious mottos, if any, were the norma.
In Spanish language, most of the blades sporting the motto were made in Germany. The most abundant ones, in Halbach, since 1770s, in Solingen previously. I do not know of Toledo blades with it.
Last edited by midelburgo; 10th April 2024 at 06:59 PM.
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