Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial Period, ca. 19th century CE. An antique child's sword with an iron blade, knuckle guard, wood handle, and brass fittings. The wood has a great patina and smooth surface from age and touch. The sword has been sharpened in recent times, so it is uncertain whether this was strictly for "play" or for battle. It was common during the 19th century for children to join the army around the tender age of 7 - this age was also a marker of surviving the gauntlet of deadly childhood diseases. Mexican child soldiers participated in many battles during the 19th century during the Mexican War of Independence and the Mexican American war. Size w/ hilt: 22" L x 2.5" W (55.9 cm x 6.4 cm); blade: 18" L x 0.7" W (45.7 cm x 1.8 cm)

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#160480

Tear and loss to brass fittings on handle. Heavy oxidation and red patina on knuckle guard. Black patina and toning on blade. Blade has nicks and wear as expected with age and use, and a sharpened edge.