A machete mystery

Zan · 6th November 2005, 01:09 AM

Hi everybody,

My oncle used tu cut water melons at is fruit shop with this machete. The blade is very flexible and we can see some marks ("Nicaragua" and "LAPA??"). On the reverse side of the very decorated scabbard, we can see an other mark, "Madrid"

Any comments ?

Zan · 6th November 2005, 01:12 AM

The scabbard...

Zan · 6th November 2005, 01:14 AM

...And the markings.

M ELEY · 7th November 2005, 04:02 AM

I would wager that despite the more typical scenario of this being a Spanish-made machete shipped off to Central America, that it was in fact made here. The small protrusion on the hilt is typical of Spanish colonial weapons from the southwest, pre-Mexican and Central America. The marking on the blade seem to indicate Nicaragua as place of manufacture. I'm GUESSING late 19th/early 20th century. Note that the scabbard is also classic for the so-called American Southwestern pattern (in actuality, this style is seen throughout the old Spanish colonies). I'm guessing the Madrid that looks penciled in is from a previous owner who returned to Spain? Or willed it to a relative living there?

M ELEY · 7th November 2005, 04:09 AM

Opps...forgot to mention the classic simple line patterns on the horn grips typical of colonial Spanish, which are still seen throughout Mexico, Central and South America. I have a growing collection of these pre-Mexican Spanish pieces.

Zan · 8th November 2005, 01:08 AM

Thank you M Eley

Your explications are very interesting.
My oncle thinks that a long time ago, one of is sisters back from a trip to Europe brought back this machete as a souvenir, but he is realy not sure.

The grip seems effectively made of horn, since it does not look like plastic nor wood. I am posting a few pictures.

Rick · 8th November 2005, 02:07 AM

From the pictures I'm doubting this is horn .
I agree it is also probably of C.A. manufacture and from the wear probably early - mid 20thC.
Here's a smaller example made in the Dominican Republic that I picked up for $3.00 (no scabbard) at Achi Tupo in the San Blas 10 years ago .
The handle material (what ever it is , not wood) had to be finish shaped due to the crude 3rd world manufacturing process .
It's quite a nice little bolo overall .
S'cuse the rust ; I know it doesn't speak highly of me .

Zan · 8th November 2005, 02:23 AM

Thank you Rick

The grip of you marchette is stricly identical to mine, exept for the marks. Probably from the same manufacturer. If it is not made of wood nor horn, is it plastic-made ? If so, it is a very high quality material, since there is not a single crack or sign of dryness. What do you think ?

6th November 2005, 01:09 AM	#1
Zan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montréal, Province of Québec, Canada Posts: 46	A machete mystery Hi everybody, My oncle used tu cut water melons at is fruit shop with this machete. The blade is very flexible and we can see some marks ("Nicaragua" and "LAPA??"). On the reverse side of the very decorated scabbard, we can see an other mark, "Madrid" Any comments ? Attached Images

6th November 2005, 01:12 AM	#2
Zan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montréal, Province of Québec, Canada Posts: 46	The scabbard... Attached Images

6th November 2005, 01:14 AM	#3
Zan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montréal, Province of Québec, Canada Posts: 46	...And the markings. Attached Images

7th November 2005, 04:02 AM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,072	Nice old machete I would wager that despite the more typical scenario of this being a Spanish-made machete shipped off to Central America, that it was in fact made here. The small protrusion on the hilt is typical of Spanish colonial weapons from the southwest, pre-Mexican and Central America. The marking on the blade seem to indicate Nicaragua as place of manufacture. I'm GUESSING late 19th/early 20th century. Note that the scabbard is also classic for the so-called American Southwestern pattern (in actuality, this style is seen throughout the old Spanish colonies). I'm guessing the Madrid that looks penciled in is from a previous owner who returned to Spain? Or willed it to a relative living there?

8th November 2005, 01:08 AM	#6
Zan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montréal, Province of Québec, Canada Posts: 46	Thank you M Eley Your explications are very interesting. My oncle thinks that a long time ago, one of is sisters back from a trip to Europe brought back this machete as a souvenir, but he is realy not sure. The grip seems effectively made of horn, since it does not look like plastic nor wood. I am posting a few pictures. Attached Images

7th November 2005, 04:09 AM	#5
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,072	Opps...forgot to mention the classic simple line patterns on the horn grips typical of colonial Spanish, which are still seen throughout Mexico, Central and South America. I have a growing collection of these pre-Mexican Spanish pieces.

8th November 2005, 02:07 AM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,263	From the pictures I'm doubting this is horn . I agree it is also probably of C.A. manufacture and from the wear probably early - mid 20thC. Here's a smaller example made in the Dominican Republic that I picked up for $3.00 (no scabbard) at Achi Tupo in the San Blas 10 years ago . The handle material (what ever it is , not wood) had to be finish shaped due to the crude 3rd world manufacturing process . It's quite a nice little bolo overall . S'cuse the rust ; I know it doesn't speak highly of me . Attached Images

8th November 2005, 02:23 AM	#8
Zan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montréal, Province of Québec, Canada Posts: 46	Thank you Rick The grip of you marchette is stricly identical to mine, exept for the marks. Probably from the same manufacturer. If it is not made of wood nor horn, is it plastic-made ? If so, it is a very high quality material, since there is not a single crack or sign of dryness. What do you think ?