The Espada Ancha-

[Jim McDougall]

In recent research, traveling over old roads from years ago on these intriguing short swords of the frontiers of New Spain, I was informed of the source for the curious misnomer referring to these.

The term 'espada ancha' in Spanish translates to 'BROAD SWORD', which of course might figuratively apply to some of the wide heavy blades on many of these. However the term more properly applies to the heavier, full size 'broadswords' typically known as 'bilbo's'. Sidney Brinckerhoff ("Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America 1700-1820", Brinckerhoff & Chamberlain, 1972) apparently once noted that he had apparently applied the term to the short, heavy swords used on the trails for clearing brush etc.

These were actually in the period and regions termed by the locals 'machetes', which is technically better describing what they are.

While these were typically worn by horsemen on the trails in general, the true weapons for any sort of engagement were primarily the lance, the 'broadsword' (typically the bilbo) and occasionally the escopeta or other pistol types.

I am posting a grouping of espada anchas showing the general form but with certain variations, and would appreciate anyone showing other examples, especially if they might lend to regional provenance.

Also posted is the typical military arming broadsword known as the 'bilbo' (a Victorian collectors term, correctly termed 'boca de caballo) which in use as early as 17th c. became known as M1728 and M1768 models by regulation.
While other types of sword were also known, such as crude versions of cup hilt, these were more common. By 1800 military saber hilts also fitted with these long broadsword blades came into use.

[JT88]

Very nice, I did a write-up about my 1728 here:
https://sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/t...y-sword-review
You'd probably find it interesting.

[Jim McDougall]

JT, absolutely brilliantly written and outstanding documentation on these venerable Spanish arming swords. They are believed to have been around since reasonably early in the 17th century, possibly deriving in degree from the well known 'pappenheimer' swords of Northern Europe. With Spain in the Netherlands that seems quite likely.

Whatever the case as per the manner of military regulations, the regulations would establish a form of sword to become standard and these were typically those already in use, thus these became 1728.

Thank you very much for entering this!!!

[David R]

Many thanks for this. Very much a "live " subject.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by David R

Many thanks for this. Very much a "live " subject.

You bet David
It truly is, and while we have brought it up for many years around here, we still have barely scratched the surface. Granted there is not a huge number of enthusiasts in this field, but there is remarkable history in these, and they deserve more serious study.

There has only been one reference book and three articles ever written on these, and trying to establish any regional consistencies has fallen notably short of the goal.

My hope is that those out there holding examples might share them here as well as any observations, notes or provenance on them. This might give a good overview of this interesting form and toward some sort of regional distinction.

[Jim McDougall]

This is an example of the 'espada ancha' type hilt but mounted with one of the double edged dragoon blades typically found on the bilbo as well as the later cavalry hilt (three bar guard) sabers of c.1805+

This example dramatically parallels one like it with ornamented leaf shape shell guard which is in the Los Angeles County Museum and attributed to Captain Jose Maria Avila of the Pueblo of Los Angeles.

On Dec. 5, 1831 in a rebellion against Governor Manuel Victoria, Avila was leading rebel forces and met government forces at Lomitas de la Canada de Breita (near Cahuenga Pass).
Leading the government forces was Capt. Jose Antonio Romualdo Pacheco.
As components of both forces were related; brothers, cousins etc. none wanted to give battle.
In frustration, both Avila and Pacheco rode at each other with lances.
After three passes, Pacheco knocked Avilas lance to the ground.

Astonishingly, Avila shot Pacheco, killing him, and stunned at what he had done, sat dumbfounded in his saddle.
What happened next is confusing, some say Gov. Victoria shot Avila, others say another, but he was shot dead there on the field.

They say both men fought with swords and lances, but that remains unclear.

This example I have as noted is quite similar to what is known as the Avila sword, which is said to have been his and became property of Del Valle family, who donoted it and other to LA County Museum.

This information from "Swords of California and Mexico" Arthur Woodward,
'ANTIQUES MAGAZINE, Vol. L, 1946, pp.102-104

It is noted that while Avila had his sword in 1831 as per the museum catalog, it is believed much older late 18th c.
While the machete type (espada ancha) hilts were usually with short heavy blades, it is clear that rancheros had the longer dragoon blades fitted as these swords became mounted on saddles under mochilo.
Thus my example here would appear to fall into that category.

Illustrations of Cahuenga Pass area 1847; Pueblo of Los Angeles c. 1869; my example of espada of Californio form (by comparison to the Avila example) with bone grip late 18thc

[JT88]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

JT, absolutely brilliantly written and outstanding documentation on these venerable Spanish arming swords. They are believed to have been around since reasonably early in the 17th century, possibly deriving in degree from the well known 'pappenheimer' swords of Northern Europe. With Spain in the Netherlands that seems quite likely.

Whatever the case as per the manner of military regulations, the regulations would establish a form of sword to become standard and these were typically those already in use, thus these became 1728.

Thank you very much for entering this!!!

Thanks Jim, I find the 1728 a highly interesting model as it was the last gasp of the Spanish Empire into the pre-modern world. It's an incredible sword, probably the one I'd pick for an actual fight of all the blades in my collection.

Cheers

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by JT88

Thanks Jim, I find the 1728 a highly interesting model as it was the last gasp of the Spanish Empire into the pre-modern world. It's an incredible sword, probably the one I'd pick for an actual fight of all the blades in my collection.

Cheers

I agree, while its been over 40 years since I fenced, I know how important balance is, and these I have handled are typically remarkably balanced .
It seems no wonder they remained in service with Spanish military for nearly 150 years.