Two Cuban machete swords

Ian · 18th January 2026, 12:48 PM

These two swords are Spanish Colonial examples from Cuba.

The top one is from the late 19th C and is marked "Fernando Esser Elberfeld Warranted Machete No. 87." Total length = 30.25 inches, with a 25 inch blade that shows graying. The horn handle is excellent. This sword was issued to officers.

The second one is marked "Collins & Co. Machete No. 87" on the blade. Overall length = 32.5 inches; blade length = 27 inches. This machete sword was made as a copy of the Fernando Esser sword, and hence had the same model number. It was probably made in the first few years of the 20th C.

Comments welcome.
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18th January 2026, 12:48 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,646	Two Cuban machete swords These two swords are Spanish Colonial examples from Cuba. The top one is from the late 19th C and is marked "Fernando Esser Elberfeld Warranted Machete No. 87." Total length = 30.25 inches, with a 25 inch blade that shows graying. The horn handle is excellent. This sword was issued to officers. The second one is marked "Collins & Co. Machete No. 87" on the blade. Overall length = 32.5 inches; blade length = 27 inches. This machete sword was made as a copy of the Fernando Esser sword, and hence had the same model number. It was probably made in the first few years of the 20th C. Comments welcome. . Attached Images