Antique Cuban Infantry Officer's Machete. Spain, 1890

Fine antique machete for infantry officer in Cuba, 1890, and in really good condition. This piece stands out for its amazing decoration that adorns the brass parts and the leather scabbard. The steel blade is in great condition, showing almost no signs of wear and with just some slight marks that provide it with singularity. The metal surface is delicately engraved with vegetal motifs. The brass hilt is decorated with vegetal-inspired engravings depicting tropical flowers, leaves and stems. The pommel is shaped as a lions head with open jaws; the eyes are two tiny red stones, maybe rubies. The cross bears a wolfs head at each end, one pointing upward and the other pointing downward. The scabbards locket is also made of brass and bears an engraved motif depicting an antelope in the jungle. The central brass reinforcement is adorned with a flat shield. The black leather bears an embossed decoration that mimics a reptiles skin. Its complex beauty and ancient age turn this machete from the Cuban War into a first-class exhibition item, as fine as original. Measurements: Total Length: 77 cm. Blade Lenght: 63 cm.