Ancha/Nimcha

Jim McDougall · 12th July 2008, 11:44 PM

Hi Mark, its great to hear from you!!
I think that absolutely, in my opinion, these shellguard espadas would have been perfect for piracy in the "Spanish Main" which carried on in the Caribbean and Spanish trade routes well into the 19th century. As we know, heavy British blades are seen on some, while the lighter and more decorated blades may heve been used by the gentry in South America. I had always heard of 'espada anchas' (generally applied) in South America, but until the Brazilian ID, had not seen examples.
There is apparantly a new book out on sea service weapons, cannot think of the title offhand, but its author is named Sim Comfort. It seems highly regarded but is also mucho expensive! I'm hoping to discover more on it, and maybe such examples might show up here.
I'm with you on the maritime plausibility for these shellguards, just as we discussed before

pirates at heart we are !!!

M ELEY · 13th July 2008, 02:53 AM

Thanks for responding, Jim. I knew if I threw out that ole 'pirate' lure, I'd draw you in!

Just wanted to get your important opinion on the possibility of maritime use. I've heard of Mr Comfort before in regards to another past book (perhaps on Confederate swords?), but was unaware he had another out. Most interesting! Unfortunately, just used up my birthday/Christmas/Father's Day/Anniversary/etc,etc,etc, money buying an interesting boarding axe on eBay, so money's too tight to buy any expensive references now. Thank you so much for mentioning it, though, because I'll keep a lookout for it in the future!

12th July 2008, 11:44 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,278	Hi Mark, its great to hear from you!! I think that absolutely, in my opinion, these shellguard espadas would have been perfect for piracy in the "Spanish Main" which carried on in the Caribbean and Spanish trade routes well into the 19th century. As we know, heavy British blades are seen on some, while the lighter and more decorated blades may heve been used by the gentry in South America. I had always heard of 'espada anchas' (generally applied) in South America, but until the Brazilian ID, had not seen examples. There is apparantly a new book out on sea service weapons, cannot think of the title offhand, but its author is named Sim Comfort. It seems highly regarded but is also mucho expensive! I'm hoping to discover more on it, and maybe such examples might show up here. I'm with you on the maritime plausibility for these shellguards, just as we discussed before pirates at heart we are !!!

13th July 2008, 02:53 AM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,152	Thanks for responding, Jim. I knew if I threw out that ole 'pirate' lure, I'd draw you in! Just wanted to get your important opinion on the possibility of maritime use. I've heard of Mr Comfort before in regards to another past book (perhaps on Confederate swords?), but was unaware he had another out. Most interesting! Unfortunately, just used up my birthday/Christmas/Father's Day/Anniversary/etc,etc,etc, money buying an interesting boarding axe on eBay, so money's too tight to buy any expensive references now. Thank you so much for mentioning it, though, because I'll keep a lookout for it in the future!