Hi Jim, thanks a lot for getting in with such vast considerations.
Concerning the localization of the guarda polvo (guarda pó) and the rompe puntas (quebra pontas) i also wish i could come to an efective conclusion.
However the first step for me would be to define whether these devices were used more by civilians than by military, or in an indescriminate manner.
At first sight the dust keeper appears to me an added value optional. You know that this piece, so often perforated with luxury decorations, had the purpose to fix the cup (bowl) interior lining, a textile (velvet) or leather material. One could speculate that this would be for the wealthy or noble owner ... military or civilian, both being the same individual at this period.
The point breaker would, in my fantasy, be a fencing resource (of doubtful efectiveness), more appointed to the street fighting than to campaingn battling.
But of course all such considerandums without solid evidence ... so far.
On the other hand, maybe your reasoning is correct in that these two details didn't reach the colonies ... at least massively.
Fernando
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