A RARE FLEMISH CAVALRY SWORD C.1660

This sword accords in detail with an example studied in Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America (page 79) which is dated c.1650-60 and stated to be the earliest known example of the type. Both represent the earliest form of what evolved into the Bilbo cavalry sword of the 18th century (see #767 following). This example is clearly contemporary with that illustrated and could as easily claim to be the earliest known example. It is as well, distinguished by the inscription on the blade, R to DE FLANDES / DE AVAELENIA. Flandes is Spanish for Flanders which, despite being eroded at the time, by Netherlandish consolidation and encroachment, was ruled by the Spanish Hapsburgs. Thus, a Flemish sword of Spanish pattern is not unexpected. Nonetheless, it appears that no other example has survived. A further curious aspect of this weapon is that, while cavalry swords were virtually standardized for size and weight by the Thirty Years War which ended in 1648, this example is considerably larger in both respects.