European Blade Colonial Mexican Generals Sword

castellum aquilonis · 20th September 2023, 07:27 PM

http://www.sonsofdewittcolony.org/ad...0kVAsxlBFrw44Y

Jim McDougall · 22nd September 2023, 03:04 PM

As noted in this valuable link to the 'Dewitt' source regarding the well known Spanish colonial short swords known as 'espada ancha' in modern terms, often the full size Spanish blades were used in them. Typically they were reduced in length in these cases, however the heavier blacksmith made blades were usually preferred for the rugged use expected of them in the frontiers. The 'espada ancha' shown is an example of the use of one of the 'dragoon blades' from the 1728 cavalry sword context, this one of the form but without the familiar 'Spanish motto' (draw me not without reason.....), and perhaps earlier in the 18th century in similar Solingen contexts. It is an example from New Mexico context, but examples of this type are possibly from Sinaloa regions late 18thc. They are known in use in Alta California as late as 1831 (Avila, Cahuenga Pass).

The 'Spanish motto' blades appear to have been retailed in Solingen by Peter Knecht, as one source, per Sir James Mann (Wallace Collection, 1962, p.268).

20th September 2023, 07:27 PM	#1
castellum aquilonis Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 47	Espada Ancha http://www.sonsofdewittcolony.org/ad...0kVAsxlBFrw44Y

22nd September 2023, 03:04 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	As noted in this valuable link to the 'Dewitt' source regarding the well known Spanish colonial short swords known as 'espada ancha' in modern terms, often the full size Spanish blades were used in them. Typically they were reduced in length in these cases, however the heavier blacksmith made blades were usually preferred for the rugged use expected of them in the frontiers. The 'espada ancha' shown is an example of the use of one of the 'dragoon blades' from the 1728 cavalry sword context, this one of the form but without the familiar 'Spanish motto' (draw me not without reason.....), and perhaps earlier in the 18th century in similar Solingen contexts. It is an example from New Mexico context, but examples of this type are possibly from Sinaloa regions late 18thc. They are known in use in Alta California as late as 1831 (Avila, Cahuenga Pass). The 'Spanish motto' blades appear to have been retailed in Solingen by Peter Knecht, as one source, per Sir James Mann (Wallace Collection, 1962, p.268). Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 22nd September 2023 at 04:32 PM.