Visayan sword? Identification needed!

Sentrad · 21st February 2015, 05:13 PM

Many thanks to everybody who helped me to get an answer to the question of determination of this interesting sword!
So it seems to be that it is used by the “Chasseurs del Rey”, a kind of gendarmerie in Cuba already 1803 based on a proper description of handle and blade (but without illustration). By regular troops in Cuba it was a service sword “Modelo 1891 para la Infantería del Ejército de Cuba”, typo Deguanabacoa, based on an article of Juan L. Calvó in an auction catalog 2007.

There are still some questions: Is the rare form of handles really based on African slaves? In 1803 the Viceroyalty of New Spain was still in existence, could it be a Mexican / Aztec / Maya motive? What is with the row of deeply incised sickle and arrow motives in the blade? Perhaps somebody will find an answer.

Thanks again
Udo

Battara · 21st February 2015, 06:19 PM

I don't believe it has Aztec/Maya characteristics at all. I see more Spanish influence than anything else. This may explain the Berber attribution, since Spain ruled the Spanish Sahara (and still has a presence in Morocco).

Yes for sure Caribbean (Cuba, etc)

21st February 2015, 05:13 PM	#1
Sentrad Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 20	Visayan sword: It is a Spanish colonial sword from Cuba Many thanks to everybody who helped me to get an answer to the question of determination of this interesting sword! So it seems to be that it is used by the “Chasseurs del Rey”, a kind of gendarmerie in Cuba already 1803 based on a proper description of handle and blade (but without illustration). By regular troops in Cuba it was a service sword “Modelo 1891 para la Infantería del Ejército de Cuba”, typo Deguanabacoa, based on an article of Juan L. Calvó in an auction catalog 2007. There are still some questions: Is the rare form of handles really based on African slaves? In 1803 the Viceroyalty of New Spain was still in existence, could it be a Mexican / Aztec / Maya motive? What is with the row of deeply incised sickle and arrow motives in the blade? Perhaps somebody will find an answer. Thanks again Udo

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

21st February 2015, 06:19 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I don't believe it has Aztec/Maya characteristics at all. I see more Spanish influence than anything else. This may explain the Berber attribution, since Spain ruled the Spanish Sahara (and still has a presence in Morocco). Yes for sure Caribbean (Cuba, etc)