Fencing, Dueling and Rapiers in Spanish Colonial California

Jim McDougall · 23rd January 2022, 09:05 PM

Wayne thank you so much for adding that, Washington's colichemarde, very notable! Stuart Mowbray co authored a book on Washington;s swords. It is interesting to see just how important the 'culture of the sword' remained as a point of honor long after the advent of firearms had rendered it quite 'secondary' as a weapon.

Midelburgo, very exciting on the arrival of this sword and looking forward to pics. I think your assessment on the blade is right and am curious at how a rapier blade became colichemarde considering how narrow they are.
I know a lot of rapier blades were mounted in smallswords.

When rapiers ended up in California according to some accounts, the blades were shortened. The one blade (unmounted) I have I think is about 1700, has JESUS one side MARIA the other, a Toledo mark, and about 41" long.
Found in Panama off a shipwreck.

I dont have access presently, but need to get pics of markings.

midelburgo · 16th February 2022, 12:37 PM

I had a photo session yesterday.

The sword is 1.03 m total length. The blade comes from a Rapier. There are known dated works from this swordsmith, Pedro del Monte, in 1610 and 1630.

I have seen Pedro del Monte described as somebody that made colichemardes, but probably his blades were apropiate to make colichemardes afterwards.

A new bevel has been created, recessed from the original blade, and this has a less acute angle.

Old repair on the hilt. Hilt is brass. Cleaning still proceeding.

Now I believe the inscription, changing sides reads:

D E P E D R O D E E L
M O N T E E N T O L E D O

(No Pedro Viel)

Jim McDougall · 19th February 2022, 01:23 PM

Thank you so much for this follow up!
What is intriguing about this sword is that this very early rapier blade has clearly enjoyed a long working life as the form of the small sword hilt seems around 1770s. The early colichemarde blades were said to have been from honed down rapier blades in 1680s, but blade makers began making them in the broad forte but narrow rapier blade combination soon after.

These were essentially evolved out of transitional rapiers with the advent of the smallsword for a 'faster' weapon, and these were primarily a dueling sword.
The styling of the hilt on this with the diagonal lines resembles a French type I once handled which had provenance to New Orleans during the War of 1812.

As you have indicated, this appears a very early Toledo blade which has been repurposed into colichemarde profile, and the 'anchor' device at the end of the fuller seems 'added' perhaps at this time.

While I dont know the provenance of this particular sword obviously, it is tempting to consider the colonial possibilities. The amalgamation of French style hilt and early Toledo blade does not seem unusual. As the Spanish system of swordplay (destreza) began to give way to French and Italian forms, it is believed to have continued nominally in Spains colonies . While many Spaniards still held to their beloved cuphilts (Castle, 1885) there would seem of course a proclivity to move toward the newer, faster weapons .

I would add here that in styling, French and Spanish were paired closely through Bourbon rule.

Although admittedly speculation, I would simply suggest these possibilities as reasonably plausible, and that this is truly an intriguing example!

23rd January 2022, 09:05 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,785	Wayne thank you so much for adding that, Washington's colichemarde, very notable! Stuart Mowbray co authored a book on Washington;s swords. It is interesting to see just how important the 'culture of the sword' remained as a point of honor long after the advent of firearms had rendered it quite 'secondary' as a weapon. Midelburgo, very exciting on the arrival of this sword and looking forward to pics. I think your assessment on the blade is right and am curious at how a rapier blade became colichemarde considering how narrow they are. I know a lot of rapier blades were mounted in smallswords. When rapiers ended up in California according to some accounts, the blades were shortened. The one blade (unmounted) I have I think is about 1700, has JESUS one side MARIA the other, a Toledo mark, and about 41" long. Found in Panama off a shipwreck. I dont have access presently, but need to get pics of markings. Attached Images

16th February 2022, 12:37 PM	#2
midelburgo Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 248	I had a photo session yesterday. The sword is 1.03 m total length. The blade comes from a Rapier. There are known dated works from this swordsmith, Pedro del Monte, in 1610 and 1630. I have seen Pedro del Monte described as somebody that made colichemardes, but probably his blades were apropiate to make colichemardes afterwards. A new bevel has been created, recessed from the original blade, and this has a less acute angle. Old repair on the hilt. Hilt is brass. Cleaning still proceeding. Now I believe the inscription, changing sides reads: D E P E D R O D E E L M O N T E E N T O L E D O (No Pedro Viel) Attached Images Last edited by midelburgo; 16th February 2022 at 02:29 PM.

19th February 2022, 01:23 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,785	Thank you so much for this follow up! What is intriguing about this sword is that this very early rapier blade has clearly enjoyed a long working life as the form of the small sword hilt seems around 1770s. The early colichemarde blades were said to have been from honed down rapier blades in 1680s, but blade makers began making them in the broad forte but narrow rapier blade combination soon after. These were essentially evolved out of transitional rapiers with the advent of the smallsword for a 'faster' weapon, and these were primarily a dueling sword. The styling of the hilt on this with the diagonal lines resembles a French type I once handled which had provenance to New Orleans during the War of 1812. As you have indicated, this appears a very early Toledo blade which has been repurposed into colichemarde profile, and the 'anchor' device at the end of the fuller seems 'added' perhaps at this time. While I dont know the provenance of this particular sword obviously, it is tempting to consider the colonial possibilities. The amalgamation of French style hilt and early Toledo blade does not seem unusual. As the Spanish system of swordplay (destreza) began to give way to French and Italian forms, it is believed to have continued nominally in Spains colonies . While many Spaniards still held to their beloved cuphilts (Castle, 1885) there would seem of course a proclivity to move toward the newer, faster weapons . I would add here that in styling, French and Spanish were paired closely through Bourbon rule. Although admittedly speculation, I would simply suggest these possibilities as reasonably plausible, and that this is truly an intriguing example!