The Espada Ancha Myth

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

In post #5, the bowl type shell guard, note the serpent creeping near one edge. As we know from examples with provenance from South America on these, and we can presume they were among 'Spanish Main' examples, this example of 'espada ancha' with the serpent on the quillon perhaps is from southern regions as well?
Clearly this is presumption, but at this point it is what is at hand as far as clues.

Well, i just saw an example with a similar serpent head on the upper quilllon of a D guard with a clam shell decoration, with a hardwood grip, mounted on a Spanish blade, with Toledo marks dated 1792 and the cypher of King Carlos IV, said to have been found in Texas and of Mexican origin.