European Blade Colonial Mexican Generals Sword

Jim McDougall · 17th September 2023, 08:22 PM

Most intriguing Mexican sword, post independence from Spain in 1821 and as noted probably mid 19th c. The eagle head was a most important symbol in Mexican history and heraldry and these became extremely popular on edged weapons in that period. It seems most of the arms were produced in regions in Oaxaca and Guerrero, from those times well into 20th c.

The blade with 'Spanish motto' does appear to be of the numbers of these which came into the Spanish colonial sphere from late 18th c. into early 19th, this one seems to be one of the later ones which are believed to have been produced in Toledo. The style of the lettering seems to correspond to those.
Typically these blades were mounted in three bar cavalry hilts, as illustrated in the cavalry saber c.1820s.

The curious shape of the quillons and some of the overall gestalt is tempting to bring in the possibility of Masonic associations, which did exist in Mexico and were often involved in the volatile and complex politics there.

17th September 2023, 08:22 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,191	Most intriguing Mexican sword, post independence from Spain in 1821 and as noted probably mid 19th c. The eagle head was a most important symbol in Mexican history and heraldry and these became extremely popular on edged weapons in that period. It seems most of the arms were produced in regions in Oaxaca and Guerrero, from those times well into 20th c. The blade with 'Spanish motto' does appear to be of the numbers of these which came into the Spanish colonial sphere from late 18th c. into early 19th, this one seems to be one of the later ones which are believed to have been produced in Toledo. The style of the lettering seems to correspond to those. Typically these blades were mounted in three bar cavalry hilts, as illustrated in the cavalry saber c.1820s. The curious shape of the quillons and some of the overall gestalt is tempting to bring in the possibility of Masonic associations, which did exist in Mexico and were often involved in the volatile and complex politics there. Attached Images