Excavated Spanish Colonial "Espada Ancha" Machete
Kingdom of New Spain - Republic of Mexico (Mexico)
Mid- 19th century (ca. 1830 -1850)
Steel
Blade: 33cm
Hilt & Blade: 45,7cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: - (cm)
Collection Date: 2021
Collection Number: 247

An excavated condition "espada ancha", or broad sword, machete probably around the time of the Mexican War of Independence or thereafter. The single-edged steel blade is in the shape of a bowie, popular in the 1840s. It has a prominent clip point tip. On one side, the letters "IA" are engraved near the forte. A steel three branch guard resembling the British Pattern 1821 is a local manufacturer and added later to the blade. The hilt grips are missing. More than likely, they were of wood composition, either one piece or two slabs. There is no provenance on this piece, although it was understandably buried for some duration of time due to its relic condition.