Sword With A Portuguese Guard, Known As A “crab-guard” Or “colhona,” 17th Century.

A sword belonging to the very rare group of swords known as “ colhonas” and “caranguejas”, known in English-language literature as Crab-Guard Swords or Balls Swords. This unique type derives from Portuguese swords developed in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, closely linked to Portuguese maritime expansion.

This particular example was likely crafted in an African workshop under Portuguese influence, drawing inspiration from these Lusitanian models. It retains a sturdy, high-quality European blade, forged from steel, mounted on a guard characteristic of local craftsmanship.

The guard, the truly distinctive feature of this weapon, is forged from a single piece of iron and features the characteristic configuration of double quillons curved toward the tip of the blade. The upper quillons end in two large discs, a feature that gave rise to the historical name “colhonas” swords. These discs are adorned with fine, hand-carved geometric incisions, and their profile gradually tapers until, at their lower edge, an extremely sharp edge, designed to serve as a striking and cutting surface, capable of injuring an opponent’s face during hand-to-hand combat. The lower quillons curve over the cutting edges of the blade and terminate in two outward-facing spherical pommels.

The wooden handle and pommel are part of an early restoration carried out during the 19th century. The blade and guard, however, are original.

Total length: 106 cm.
Blade length: 91.5 cm.
Guard width: 18 cm.
Diameter of the cutting discs: 4.5 cm.