A Spanish colonial broadsword/cutlass

M ELEY · 18th October 2018, 08:31 AM

Here we have a Spanish broadsword or cutlass from the first quarter of the 19th century. This distinctive hilt form is discussed in 'Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America:1700-1821' (Brinckerhoff & Chamberlain). See plates 174 175,176.

This form of hilt consists of a small shallow cup with a curved cross guard, flattened quillons, a three branch guard with screws or rivets securing them to the knucklebow. Grips on these colonial pieces are bone or horn, often scored and sometimes of a 'plump' swollen form such as this example.

This sword stands out in that it doesn't have a curved saber blade. Instead it has a much older straight broadsword blade, probably German made with rounded tip and three line fullers. The old corrosion on the edge is a testimony to age and possibly from salt exposure.

18th October 2018, 08:31 AM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,196	Spanish colonial Here we have a Spanish broadsword or cutlass from the first quarter of the 19th century. This distinctive hilt form is discussed in 'Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America:1700-1821' (Brinckerhoff & Chamberlain). See plates 174 175,176. This form of hilt consists of a small shallow cup with a curved cross guard, flattened quillons, a three branch guard with screws or rivets securing them to the knucklebow. Grips on these colonial pieces are bone or horn, often scored and sometimes of a 'plump' swollen form such as this example. This sword stands out in that it doesn't have a curved saber blade. Instead it has a much older straight broadsword blade, probably German made with rounded tip and three line fullers. The old corrosion on the edge is a testimony to age and possibly from salt exposure. Attached Images Last edited by M ELEY; 18th October 2018 at 08:48 AM.