North America, Mexico / Southwestern USA, Spanish Colonial period, ca. late 18th to mid-19th century CE. An intimidating saber, known as an espada ancho or broad sword, which was carried by Spanish soldiers. The blade is short and wide with a single cutting edge that slightly curves upward to a pointed tip. The blade and guard are decorated with incised foliate and scrolling motifs. A cross guard with circular tips protrudes at the end of the blade. A knuckle guard with two supporting bars arches outward and connects to the iron capped pommel. The hilt is covered with alternating bands of brass, wood, and leather to provide excellent grip. A nice patina lightly covers the iron areas of this sword. Espada ancha swords like this example used to have wide blades akin to the traditional broad sword during the pre-Republic era of New Spain in modern Mexico; however, the blade width narrowed over time to facilitate hunting and ease of transport by soldiers. Size: 28" L x 4.5" W (71.1 cm x 11.4 cm); blade: 23" L x 1.375" W (58.4 cm x 3.5 cm)
Provenance: ex-private Arcadia, California, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000
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#164616
Condition
Nicks and chip to blade. Chips and abrasion to edge of cup guard. Wood and brass grips are slightly loose. Blade has some sharpness and nice preservation of etched motifs.