Interesting; i had this unshakable idea that, the 'dissimilar shells' (per Midelburgo) perpetuated as BOCA DE CABALLO, was a one and only Spanish invention. Noting that, even though written material places this guard type at the first quarter XVIII century (1728 cavalry sword), nothing avoids this system had a prior existence.
What looks like a guarda polvo in the discussed example might just been the usual compromise for such style guard loop fixations... i would say.
It will really be interesting when Midelburgo has it in his hands, to tell us more about it ... and post contextual pictures.
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