First-quarter of the 19th century. 25 1/2" wedge section blade, slightly curved of heavy proportions. Recurved forge iron guard of three bars, the front with an integral forged iron rattlesnake in a sinuous coiled position. The guard including the snake inlaid with silver banding in typical Mexican fashion. Finely carved bone grip with transverse bands inlaid with silver piques separating the two major segments, the upper carved in a fine spiral twist. Reeded pommel cap echoing the spirals. Typical condition for these with stable brown patina to the iron. See Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America 1700-1821, #176 for a closely related example. Extraordinary motif.
