Mexican Espada Ancha Broadsword, 18th/19th C

Description

What we now call the “Espada Ancha” (“Broadsword” in English) is a uniquely Mexican
sword, with a somewhat crudely made guard fashioned from individual pieces riveted
together. In this case, the hilt is of iron, with a round convex shell forming the base of the
guard with a knuckle bow fitting into a slot on its edge and joining the grooved cylindrical
pommel. A symmetrical quillon is riveted to the shell, securing the knuckle bow in place and
providing a short reverse quillon. Four individual curved bars are then riveted to the shell
and to the knuckle bow; three on one side of progressive sizes, and a single bar on the
reverse. The grip is of grooved horn, stained black (wear to the stain) secured by a bottom
ferrule; the inside of the shell with leather padding. The hilt has a slight gold tint, leading
one to believe at first glance that it is of brass, however, it is clearly of ferrous metal. Fine
quality 33 ½” double-edged Spanish broadsword blade of hexagonal section, with a 9 ½”
central fuller inscribed “no me satues sin rason” (do not take me out without reason) on one
side, and “no me enraines sin honor” (do not sheathe me without honor) on the other,
surrounded by engraved foliage and a stylized anchor mark just past the fuller on both
sides. This is a very common inscription on Spanish blades from the 17th-19th Centuries.
Overall length 38 3/4″. The hilt likely 19th C, with an earlier blade, likely 18th C, though these
can be difficult to date since Spanish swords, and those of their colonies, tended to
maintain earlier styles long after the rest of the world had abandoned them. Attractive and
unique sword, clearly of Mexican manufacture, and likely from the period of the Mexican
War of Independence. Very good original condition, with sharp and clear blade markings;
the grip slightly loose.