Iron hilt of bilbo form with double thickened edge shell guards, the right with relief decoration of a close helmet over a breastplate, probably armorial. Wire wrapped grip. 37" diamond section blade with narrow fuller to the forte. The tang sheathed in brass within the guard. See European Swords and Daggers in the Tower of London, pl.42a for a closely related example, absent the armorial device. Of proportions for mounted use, this antique sword is made for both slashing and thrusting. Dating to the period of Spanish colonial expansion, they are specifically identified with the New World and the Caribbean.