Public Works Machete: Unique Design From 1850 That Makes An Impact

MACHETE. Author: Vicente Toledo Momparler (sword expert)

Reference	3-obpu-A
Name	Machete
Period	circa 1850
Guard	Made from a solid block of brass, with a pommel shaped like a lion’s head and scales on the rest. Grip with scale pattern. Straight quillons with chiseled tips and the initials “OP” for Obras Públicas (Public Works) in the diamond of the crossguard.
Blade	Wide and powerful, with a large ricasso of five centimeters. Rounded spine, false edge on the inside and sharpened on the rest. Its design features a gentle curvature of the inner spine, widening of the blade towards a tapered tip, all essential for the user needing a correct center of gravity placement.
Scabbard	Made of black leather, with a brass gilt throat and tip. Loop for attachment to a belt.
Inscription	No visible inscription
Total Length	540 mm
Blade Length	405 mm
Blade Width	59 mm
Description	Machete used in public works.

Public Works Machete: Unique Design from 1850 that Makes an Impact