[fernando]

Originally Posted by Victrix

So what do the letters I A H I stand for?

Well, that would be the one million dollar question. Probably those of the smith; i wish someone would know !

Originally Posted by Victrix

would people date threaded pommel nuts generally?

I would not know when in time peened pommels evoluted to the threaded system, and if that took place in the various type of swords as in the different countries at same time; i bet there are members who are more familiar with that topic. But i could clearly define the "conic" manual section in which this specific tang thread is made as certainly much prior to the classic 'cilindric' system. I have also read that tapping and threading pommel fixations can be a later operation. Minding that the pommel of the other sword that was together with this one has a pommel of rather different shape, yet unscrews in the same manner.

Originally Posted by Victrix

the meaning of the ”double” patriarchal cross? Seems this cross originated in Byzance and spread to countries like Hungary, Russia and Lithuania. Why does it appear in Portugal (Byzantic connection)? The cross may have lost its meaning but for sure it had a meaning when it was put on the blade or the smith wouldn’t have bothered with the extra effort/expense.

Patriarchal cross, Lorena cross, Bizantine cross, Caravaca cross.There are those who join them all in one, fusing their simbology; some even say that the upper shorter arm represents the board where the Romans inscribed the letters INRI in the crucification cross of Jesus. Personaly i would not favor the conviction that these symbols in these swords are a rigid allegory to exoterism, like if they were medieval or free mason swords, as in my humble perspective these are more to entice their selling, naturally calling for a "just in case" religious appeal; notwithstanding the smith applying them with the intent for profit. On the other hand i know for sure that the VIVA PORTUGAL was (in the discussed period) a contextual asset commissioned by the customer.

Originally Posted by Victrix

cuphilts are associated with fencing. This blade is obviously not for diligent fencing techniques.

I confess i am perplex with such assumption; there are cuphilts both mounted for fencing (thin bladed rapiers) and cuphilts mounted for non fencing purposes, with striking blades, some sturdy, for military combat...all in countless numbers.

Originally Posted by Victrix

there must be a possibility that it was married to the hilt because 1) it was the only one available at the time,

Reading my above posts we are aware that at least three of these swords are known, all similarly cuphilted, all with the royal coat of arms and all with the patriotic inscription... and all found in Portugal,

Originally Posted by Victrix

or 2) it was so customized for a purpose. Must also be possible that the blade was recycled in a colonial setting (e.g. Portuguese Brazil) where European products imported from afar was more scarce and precious and therefore not wasted.

I see that the 'colonial' issue is a recurrent approach; as already noted, embellished and elaborated cuphilts (and not only) that were carried in the streets and in court by wealthy people, don't inherently condemn simple, basic, honest, defence or military examples to be colonial.